Some people need more support than weekly therapy, but don’t need to stay overnight in a treatment center. Others finish residential care and still want daily structure to stay on track. A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) meets both needs. It’s a middle-ground option that offers focused clinical care during the day, while allowing people to live at home or in sober housing. For many, PHP is where real progress starts to feel sustainable.
A Partial Hospitalization Program
A Partial Hospitalization Program provides intensive clinical care during the day while allowing individuals to return home or to a sober living residence each night. This format offers stability and support while helping clients maintain a sense of normalcy.
At North Star Treatment, our PHP is thoughtfully structured to support individuals struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or both. Clients participate in full days of therapeutic programming, including individual sessions, group therapy, medication management, and wellness activities. It’s a highly supportive, focused environment—without the 24/7 nature of inpatient care.
This level of treatment is ideal for people who need more than what outpatient care can provide but are stable enough not to require round-the-clock supervision.
What a Day in PHP Really Looks Like
At North Star Treatment, clients in our Partial Hospitalization Program typically attend five to six days a week for about six hours each day. Each day is structured to provide meaningful support through a balance of clinical care, therapy, and personal growth. Programming may include group therapy focused on topics like relapse prevention, emotional regulation, or communication patterns. Clients also meet individually with licensed therapists and have regular check-ins with a psychiatrist for medication management and mental health care. Additional sessions might include psychoeducation, mindfulness practices, and optional wellness activities such as movement or creative expression. There’s time for meals, quiet reflection, and peer connection between sessions. This level of consistency helps reinforce new habits while still allowing individuals to stay connected to life outside of treatment.
Building Stability Without Total Disruption
One of the biggest advantages of PHP is that it allows individuals to focus on their recovery without having to disconnect entirely from their lives. Whether it’s being home in the evenings with family or continuing part-time work, this level of care keeps people grounded in daily life while giving them the tools to rebuild from within.
For many, this blend of support and autonomy is exactly what makes PHP work. You’re not isolated, but you’re not left to figure things out on your own, either.
Why Someone Might Choose a PHP
A Partial Hospitalization Program is often the next logical step for someone finishing residential treatment. But that’s not the only scenario. PHP can also be appropriate for:
- People struggling with recurring relapse or worsening symptoms
- Individuals whose outpatient care isn’t meeting their needs
- Those with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns
- People transitioning out of a crisis who still need daily support
- It offers a strong clinical foundation while allowing people to begin rebuilding their lives outside of treatment.
PHP is also an excellent option for those who are stable enough to be safe outside of treatment hours but still need structure, routine, and regular therapeutic input to prevent setbacks.
PHP vs. Residential Treatment: Understanding the Difference
While both PHP and residential treatment offer intensive care, residential treatment requires clients to live at the facility full-time. PHP, on the other hand, lets individuals sleep at home or at a sober living house while participating in structured treatment during the day.
Residential care is typically best for individuals in acute crisis, those without a safe home environment, or people in early recovery who need round-the-clock accountability. PHP is more appropriate once someone has reached a more stable point but still benefits from frequent therapeutic support.
Some people enter treatment at the PHP level from the start. Others step down to PHP after residential care. It all depends on the person’s current needs, home life, and stage in recovery. At North Star Treatment, we help determine the best fit through a detailed clinical assessment at the beginning of care.
The Real Benefits of a PHP
Many people find PHP to be a turning point in their recovery. It provides a bridge between full-time care and complete independence—a space where people can strengthen what they’ve learned, get honest about challenges, and build confidence.
Here’s what makes PHP such a powerful level of care:
1. Daily Support Without Total Displacement
You don’t have to press pause on your entire life. PHP gives people the freedom to maintain responsibilities while still receiving full-time care during the day.
2. Clinical Depth
The care provided in PHP is grounded in evidence-based practices, and clients have regular access to therapists, doctors, and recovery specialists throughout the week.
3. Real-World Application
Because you’re not in a closed setting, there are chances to practice coping skills, communication strategies, and boundary-setting in real-life situations while still receiving feedback and support in real-time.
4. A Sense of Community
Being part of a structured program helps reduce isolation. Group therapy and peer interactions help people feel connected, seen, and understood.
5. A Flexible Step in Recovery
PHP is adaptable. Some people stay in it for a few weeks. Others benefit from longer-term participation. Either way, it offers stability and guidance in a crucial phase of healing.
Who PHP Works Best For
Not everyone is a candidate for PHP, and that’s okay. This level of care works best for individuals who:
- Are medically and psychiatrically stable
- Have a safe and supportive living situation outside of treatment hours
- Are motivated to attend regularly and engage in therapy
- Need structured care to build consistency in recovery
People with dual diagnoses—meaning mental health concerns alongside substance use—often benefit the most from this format. At North Star Treatment, our clinicians specialize in addressing these overlapping issues with clarity and compassion.
How North Star Treatment Approaches PHP
What sets North Star Treatment apart is how we deliver care. PHP at our center isn’t just about checking boxes or following a fixed formula—it’s about meeting each client where they are and giving them the tools to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Clients in our PHP receive:
- Personalized treatment planning based on clinical and lifestyle needs
- Access to a multidisciplinary team including therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and wellness staff
- A peaceful, discreet setting in San Juan Capistrano
- Opportunities to participate in complementary therapies like meditation, art, or fitness classes
- Step-down options into our Intensive Outpatient Program when ready
We treat every client as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. That’s what makes healing possible.
Start a New Chapter with North Star Treatment
Healing takes commitment. But with the right team and the right kind of support, it also becomes entirely possible.
If you’re considering a Partial Hospitalization Program for yourself or someone you care about, we invite you to contact us at North Star Treatment today. We’ll walk you through the next steps, answer your questions, and help you explore whether PHP is the right fit.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with someone who might be searching for answers. Sometimes, one honest conversation is all it takes to shift things in a better direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do people usually stay in PHP?
Most clients participate in PHP for anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on their needs and progress. The length of stay can be adjusted over time.
Is PHP only for addiction, or does it help with mental health too?
PHP supports both. Many clients deal with co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder alongside substance use.
Will I still see a doctor or psychiatrist in PHP?
Yes. At North Star Treatment, clients in PHP receive regular psychiatric check-ins, medication support, and ongoing clinical assessments.
Can I live at home during PHP?
Yes. PHP allows clients to return home—or to a sober living house—at the end of the day, making it a good fit for people with safe and stable living environments.
What happens after PHP ends?
Many clients step down to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or outpatient therapy after PHP. We help build a continued care plan that makes sense for each person.
