What Is PHP Drug Treatment? A Balanced Approach to Recovery
PHP drug treatment (Partial Hospitalization Program) is an intensive outpatient addiction treatment option that provides structured care without requiring overnight stays. It bridges the gap between residential treatment and standard outpatient care.
Quick Overview of PHP Drug Treatment:
- Schedule: Typically 4-6 hours per day, 5-7 days per week
- Structure: Combines individual therapy, group sessions, and medical oversight
- Location: Patients return home or to sober living facilities each evening
- Duration: Usually lasts 2-6 weeks, depending on individual needs
- Ideal for: Those who need intensive support but can maintain a stable living environment
PHP offers the intensity of inpatient care while allowing you to maintain some independence and practice recovery skills in real-world settings each evening. This balance makes it particularly valuable for professionals who need to maintain career responsibilities while receiving comprehensive treatment.
I’m Clint Kreider, a Clinical Psychologist with over 5 years of experience in drug and alcohol treatment, including specialized work with PHP drug treatment programs that help clients overcome barriers to living their envisioned lives.
Understanding PHP Drug Treatment: How It Works and Who It Helps
When you’re looking for the right level of addiction treatment, understanding where PHP drug treatment fits in can make all the difference. As a Level 2.5 care option according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), PHP sits at that sweet spot between the 24/7 supervision of residential care and the more flexible schedule of outpatient programs.
At its core, PHP drug treatment delivers at least 20 hours of weekly therapeutic services — enough to create meaningful change while still giving you space to practice recovery skills in real life.
Research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Services confirms PHP programs can be just as effective as inpatient care for many people, especially if you’ve already completed detox, have a stable place to live, and need intensive support without round-the-clock monitoring.
PHP Drug Treatment vs Inpatient and IOP: Key Differences
Understanding where PHP drug treatment sits on the care continuum helps you make the best choice for your recovery journey:
| Treatment Level | Hours of Treatment | Supervision | Living Arrangement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient/Residential | 24/7 | 24-hour clinical supervision | On-site facility | Severe addiction, unstable environment |
| PHP | 4-6 hours/day, 5-7 days/week | Daytime clinical supervision | Home or sober living | Moderate to severe addiction, stable housing |
| IOP (Intensive Outpatient) | 9+ hours/week | Part-time clinical supervision | Home | Mild to moderate addiction, strong support system |
| Standard Outpatient | 1-2 hours/week | Minimal supervision | Home | Mild addiction, maintenance |
What makes PHP drug treatment special is that it gives you nearly the same therapeutic intensity as inpatient care, but at a lower cost and with the flexibility to sleep in your own bed at night.
Typical Day in a PHP Drug Treatment Schedule
Structure is one of the greatest gifts of PHP drug treatment. Here’s what a typical day looks like in our Orange County program:
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Check-in and Morning Reflection
We start with checking vitals, providing medications if needed, and setting intentions for the day.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Process Group Therapy
In a safe, supportive circle, you’ll share challenges, celebrate victories, and receive feedback from peers.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Specialized Group Therapy
Evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, trauma work, or relapse prevention skills.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch and Social Skills
Shared meals provide opportunities to practice social skills and build community.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Education and Skill Building
Learn about addiction, identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and build life skills.
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM: Holistic Activities
Art therapy, gentle yoga, mindfulness practices, or nutritional counseling.
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM: Individual Therapy or Case Management
One-on-one sessions, treatment plan reviews, and coordination with outside providers.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Daily Wrap-up and Evening Planning
Reflect on progress, set goals for the evening, and create safety plans.
Therapies and Co-Occurring Disorder Support in PHP Drug Treatment
At Oceans Luxury Rehab, our Partial Hospitalization Program addresses both addiction and underlying mental health conditions with evidence-based therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify thought patterns that lead to substance use
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for managing intense emotions
- Motivational Interviewing helps resolve mixed feelings about change
- Family Therapy repairs relationships and creates a supportive home environment
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can help manage cravings or withdrawal
We pay special attention to co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Treating these conditions alongside addiction is essential for lasting recovery.
Choosing, Paying For, and Transitioning From PHP Care
Finding the right php drug treatment program requires careful consideration. Look for programs with proper accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or CARF, state licensing, and clinical staff with specialized addiction credentials.
Good news on the financial front: since the implementation of the essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), substance use disorder treatment, including PHP, is considered an essential health benefit that insurance plans must cover.
Is PHP Right for You? Candidacy, Benefits, and Drawbacks
PHP tends to be ideal for people who have completed detox but still need substantial support. You should have a stable living environment where you can safely spend evenings and weekends. If you have co-occurring mental health conditions, they should be stable enough that you don’t need 24-hour supervision.
Many of our clients are professionals beginning to reintegrate work responsibilities while still needing significant support. Others are transitioning from inpatient care but aren’t quite ready for less intensive programs.
Our Adult Partial Hospitalization Program offers many benefits, including the ability to practice recovery skills in real-world settings each evening. You can maintain family connections and some work or school responsibilities while still receiving intensive clinical support. It’s also typically more affordable than residential care.
That said, PHP isn’t perfect for everyone. It provides less structure during evenings and weekends than residential treatment, which can be challenging for some. You’ll need reliable transportation to and from treatment daily. And if you’re dealing with severe addiction or have an unstable living situation, you might need more intensive support.
Cost & Insurance Basics of PHP Drug Treatment
While costs vary based on location, program features, and treatment duration, PHP generally costs less than residential treatment while providing more intensive care than standard outpatient programs.
Most PHP programs range from $350-$450 per day, though luxury programs may be higher due to premium amenities and services. Programs typically last 2-6 weeks, with total costs depending on your length of stay.
The good news is that most private insurance plans cover PHP at least partially. Typical insurance coverage includes:
- Private insurance usually covers PHP with pre-authorization
- Medicare covers PHP when deemed medically necessary
- Medicaid coverage varies by state
- Military insurance (TRICARE) typically covers PHP with proper authorization
At Oceans Luxury Rehab, our admissions team conducts thorough insurance verification before admission, giving you clear information about your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses. For those without adequate insurance, we offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, and financing options.
For more detailed information about treatment options and costs, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Outpatient Rehab Treatment Options.
Transition Path: Inpatient -> PHP -> IOP & Aftercare
Recovery follows a step-down model that typically includes:
- Medical detoxification (3-10 days)
- Residential/inpatient treatment (28-90 days)
- PHP with daily treatment but evenings at home (2-6 weeks)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with 9-12 hours of weekly treatment (8-12 weeks)
- Standard outpatient treatment and ongoing aftercare support
Our Intensive Outpatient Program builds upon the foundation established during PHP, creating a smooth transition to increasingly independent living.
Effective discharge planning starts early in the PHP process. We help you identify community support resources, connect with local recovery meetings, establish ongoing therapy relationships, develop a personalized relapse prevention plan, and create strategies for managing work, family, and social reintegration.
Next Steps: Start Your PHP Drug Treatment Journey
If you’re considering php drug treatment for yourself or someone you love, Oceans Luxury Rehab offers a comprehensive program in a supportive, upscale environment across Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa.
We believe recovery should be not only effective but also comfortable and dignified. Our approach combines clinical excellence with premium amenities and truly individualized care. We keep our client-to-staff ratio low to ensure you get the personal attention you deserve.
Our expert clinical team includes board-certified addiction psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and experienced support staff who understand the complexities of addiction and recovery. We conduct comprehensive assessments to create truly individualized treatment plans, and we involve families in the healing process.
Starting your recovery journey begins with a simple, confidential conversation. Our admissions team offers complimentary assessments to determine the most appropriate level of care for your unique situation.
For more information about our PHP services or to schedule a confidential assessment, reach out to our admissions team today. Recovery isn’t just possible — with the right support, it can be the start of a richer, more fulfilling life than you might currently imagine.
Clint earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2012. With 5 years in drug and alcohol treatment and 8 years in private practice, he specializes in helping clients uncover obstacles to living their envisioned life. Leveraging his experience, Clint supports clients in finding the motivation to make meaningful life changes.
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