Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in California

Article Overview: 

  • Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) provide intensive outpatient addiction treatment, combining structure and flexibility without overnight stays.

  • Tree House Recovery in Costa Mesa offers a specialized PHP for young men, integrating evidence-based therapies, holistic healing, and life skills development.

Table of Contents

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There’s no universal pathway to addiction recovery, and a PHP (partial hospitalization program) offers many people the perfect balance between structure and flexibility—PHB rehab offers intensive care without requiring an overnight stay. Whether you’re stepping down from inpatient care or seeking a comprehensive alternative to residential treatment, PHP can help set a stable foundation for sustained recovery. 

This guide to PHP drug treatment explores issues like what is PHP treatment, who it is suitable for, and how to connect with an effective California PHP drug rehab program. 

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A partial hospitalization program is the most intensive form of outpatient addiction treatment, bridging the gap between residential rehab and less-structured outpatient programs. 

Unlike inpatient programs, where people remain at a facility for 30 to 90 days, PHPs allow individuals to return home or to a sober living community after daily treatment. This model provides flexibility while still delivering a high level of care, making it a popular choice for those who need structure and support without 24/7 supervision. 

At its core, a PHP is intended to address the physical and psychological components of addiction. Through evidence-based therapies, participants focus on unpacking the root causes of their substance use while building healthier coping strategies. Therapies may include MAT (medication-assisted treatment), individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and talk therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). 

PHPs typically operate 5 to 7 days weekly, with sessions lasting 6 to 8 hours each day. This enables people to immerse themselves in a supportive therapeutic environment while gradually reintegrating into daily life. 

Common PHP Requirements

While partial hospitalization programs offer a high level of care, they are not suitable for everyone. PHP participants must meet specific criteria to ensure a good fit. 

Uppermost among partial hospitalization program requirements is stability—individuals must be physically and medically stable enough not to need constant supervision. This often means completing detox or inpatient treatment beforehand to address withdrawal symptoms or medical complications. 

Beyond this, PHP candidates typically need a sober and supportive living environment because they return home between therapy sessions. A toxic home environment can jeopardize progress, so individuals without stable housing may benefit from combining PHP with a transitional living arrangement in a sober community. 

Other requirements include the ability to travel reliably to the treatment center, a willingness to participate actively in therapy, and a commitment to addressing co-occurring mental health issues like trauma, depression, or anxiety.

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What to Expect from a PHP

PHPs are immersive programs that provide participants with various therapeutic and educational services. Treatment usually begins with a thorough assessment conducted by clinical professionals. This evaluation helps create an individualized treatment plan tailored to each person’s needs and recovery goals. Once admitted, individuals can expect a daily schedule packed with activities designed to address both addiction and overall well-being. 

A typical day in a PHP might include individual therapy sessions where participants work one-on-one with a counselor to explore the underlying causes of their addictions. Group sessions provide a sense of community and help individuals develop communication and interpersonal skills. Psychoeducational workshops teach people about the science of addiction, relapse prevention strategies, and coping mechanisms for managing triggers and cravings. Many programs also incorporate holistic therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, or art therapy, to support emotional healing. Medical care and medication management are available for those needing ongoing physical or mental health support. 

Understanding PHP Drug Rehab

PHP drug rehab is especially effective for those battling substance use disorders because it offers a comprehensive approach to recovery. Addictions impact all aspects of a person’s life—physical, mental, emotional, and social—and PHPs address all these areas. By integrating therapy, education, and peer support, PHPs help people develop the skills they need to get sober and stay sober long-term. 

Relapse prevention in partial hospitalization programs includes learning to identify triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build a robust support network. Participants are also guided in creating sustainable daily routines to avoid stress and boredom—both common relapse triggers. 

For those dealing with co-occurring disorders. Like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), PHPs offer integrated dual diagnosis treatment, addressing both addictions and mental health conditions simultaneously. This approach improves the likelihood of lasting recovery and equips people with the tools to rebuild their lives. 

How to Find a PHP in California

Finding the right PHP in California may seem challenging, given the many options available. Here’s how to streamline your decision: 

  • Read reviews and testimonials:  Check online reviews and read testimonials from former participants to gain insight into the program’s effectiveness. Look for honest, detailed feedback about the treatment experience, staff, and overall environment.
  • Consider location and accessibility: Choose a partial hospitalization program close to home or conveniently accessible. If transportation is challenging, inquire whether the facility provides shuttle services or other assistance to ensure you can attend consistently.
  • Verify insurance coverage: Contact the treatment center or your insurance provider to confirm whether the PHP is covered under your policy. Many centers also offer flexible payment options for those without health insurance, such as sliding scales or payment plans.
  • Ask about specialized services: If you have specific needs, such as dual diagnosis treatment or trauma-focused therapy, make sure the PHP offers these services. California has many programs that cater to specialized populations, such as veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those with co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Schedule a consultation: Most treatment centers offer free consultations or assessments with admission specialists. Use this opportunity to ask questions about the PHP’s therapies, success rates, and staff qualifications. 

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find a PHP in California that aligns with your needs and recovery goals, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling treatment experience. 

Tree House Recovery’s Partial Hospitalization Program in Costa Mesa, California

At Tree House Recovery, our partial hospitalization program in California is designed for young men seeking a comprehensive and highly structured approach to addiction recovery. Our PHP focuses on holistic healing and uses a biopsychosocial model to address the physical, emotional, and social components of recovery. With a blend of evidence-based therapies, experiential activities, and community-building opportunities, we offer a supportive environment where young men can work toward enduring recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism. 

Here’s what to expect from our PHP: 

  • Holistic focus: Tree House incorporates fitness programs to repair the body from the effects of addiction, yoga and meditation to enhance emotional regulation, and writing therapy to promote self-reflection and healing. These holistic elements help young men restore balance to their lives.
  • Personalized treatment plans: Every young adult receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals. Plans typically include 4 individual therapy sessions per week, during which participants work one-on-one with counselors to resolve trauma and develop healthy perspectives.
  • Evidence-based therapies: Our PHP utilizes proven methods like CBT, positive psychology, and relapse prevention education to equip young men with the tools to stay sober long-term.
  • Life skills development: Leadership and life skills classes are a cornerstone of our partial hospitalization program, preparing young men to deal with real-world challenges, rebuild their confidence, and set goals for their future.
  • Community connection: At Tree House, our PHP creates a safe space for young men to connect with peers who share similar sober goals, promoting enduring social bonds and a lasting support network for long-term success.
  • Program duration: A PHP at Tree House Recovery lasts 3 to 5 months, although the duration may vary depending on individual progress and needs. 

If you’re ready to kickstart your recovery without neglecting your everyday commitments or leaving home for a month or more, choose our PHP in California by calling (855) 202-2138.

What is the Difference Between Detox/Residential and PHP?

If you are trying to determine what level of care you need, understanding the difference between inpatient and PHP is essential. The biggest differences between detox/residential and PHP are purpose, setting, duration, and supervision. Below is how they generally differ:

1. Purpose:

Purpose of Detox/Residential:

detox/residential are typically bundled together and are primarily focused on stabilizing patients who have a high risk of relapse during the first stages of recovery.  Detox is focused on managing withdrawal symptoms under 24 hour medical supervision. Residential care usually follows and provides intensive therapy in a highly supervised 24 hour live-in environment.  while patients go through the most intense phase of post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

Purpose (PHP):

The main purpose of PHP is to provide patients with the skills, education, and knowledge needed to maintain sobriety in the long term. It is for patients who need intensive therapy and support but are stable enough not to require 24-hour supervision. Symptoms of PAWS are typically less intense during this stage, which can give clients a higher level of mental clarity. This mental clarity can enhance patients’ ability to focus and retain information during one-on-one counseling and other forms of intensive therapeutics at this care level. 

 

2. Setting:

Setting (Detox/Residential):

Detox and residential care are inpatient levels of care that take place in facilities that provide supervised live-in care 24/7. These live-in facilities are meant to provide a safe environment that physically separates patients from potential relapse opportunities during the early stages of recovery. 

Setting (PHP):

PHP is outpatient care and provides addiction treatment during the day at a facility 5/7 days a week and 6 to 8 hours per day. Patients at this level of care are stable enough not to need 24-hour supervision, allowing them to return home or a sober living environment at night. This level of care gives patients more freedom and allows them to practice integrating new skills into their daily lives. 

 

3. Duration:

Duration (Detox/Residential):

Detox can last from a few days to a few weeks. Residential treatment typically lasts weeks but can last even longer, depending on severity. Detox and residential treatment are typically offered at the same facility, and the two levels of care can be bundled into 30-day treatment episodes. 

Duration (PHP):

Partial Hospitalization Programs typically last three months or more. This gives patients the necessary time to recover and build a strong foundation for a sustainable recovery. However, program durations may vary depending on the severity and needs of the individual.

4. Supervision:

Supervision (Detox/Residential):

Detox & Residential both have a very high level of supervision, with 24/7 monitoring. The main goal here is to make sure patient’s are safe as they go through acute withdrawal during detox and post-acute withdrawal during residential.

Supervision (PHP):

PHP has dose not have round-the-clock supervision, but it is moderate to high. Patients at this level of care are stable enough to recieve intensive therapy and support during the day but return to their homes or sober livings in the evening.

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Robert Funk

Updated June 3, 2024
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