Finding the right level of care for mental health or addiction treatment can be overwhelming. While inpatient hospitalization provides 24/7 care, it requires a significant time commitment, and outpatient programs may not offer the structure needed for those in crisis.
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides a middle-ground solution, offering intensive therapy and medical support without requiring an overnight stay. At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our Partial Hospitalization Program in Massachusetts is designed for individuals who need structured mental health or addiction treatment while maintaining aspects of their daily life.
This guide will explore:
- What a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is
- Who benefits from a PHP
- How PHP compares to inpatient and outpatient programs
- What to expect in a PHP at a Behavioral Health Treatment Center
- How PHP supports long-term recovery
- How to access a Partial Hospitalization Program in Massachusetts
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges or substance use disorders, a PHP may be the right level of care to help you regain stability and work toward long-term healing.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intensive, structured treatment program designed for individuals who need daily therapy and medical support but do not require 24-hour inpatient care. It offers a higher level of support than traditional outpatient therapy while still allowing participants to return home each night.
How a PHP Works
- Patients attend therapy and treatment sessions during the day (typically 5-6 hours per day, 5-6 days per week).
- Individuals return home in the evening, allowing them to maintain responsibilities such as work, school, or caregiving.
- Treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and evidence-based interventions such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
- Medical supervision and crisis intervention are available for individuals at risk of relapse or severe emotional distress.
PHPs provide a high level of care while allowing individuals to apply their coping skills in real-world settings.
Who Benefits from a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A PHP is ideal for individuals who need structured treatment but do not require full-time hospitalization.
PHP is Recommended for Individuals Who:
- Are struggling with moderate to severe mental health disorders
- Need structured support for addiction recovery
- Are transitioning from inpatient hospitalization to outpatient care
- Require medical supervision but can manage their daily responsibilities
- Need daily therapy and skill-building to maintain stability
Conditions Treated in a PHP
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our PHP in Massachusetts treats a variety of conditions, including:
- Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder
- Substance use disorders including opioid, alcohol, and stimulant addiction
- Dual diagnosis conditions where mental health and addiction co-occur
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation requiring structured intervention
By providing intensive therapy, medical support, and life skills training, a PHP helps individuals develop the tools needed for lasting recovery.
PHP vs. Inpatient and Outpatient Programs: What’s the Difference?
A Partial Hospitalization Program offers more intensive treatment than outpatient therapy but less restriction than inpatient rehab.
Comparing Treatment Options
| Program Type | Best For | Time Commitment | Overnight Stay? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Rehab | Individuals in severe crisis or at risk of harm | 24/7, usually 30+ days | Yes |
| Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) | Those needing intensive daily therapy but can live at home | 5-6 hours per day, 5-6 days per week | No |
| Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | Individuals needing structured therapy but with more flexibility | 3-4 hours per day, 3-5 days per week | No |
| Standard Outpatient Therapy | Those with mild symptoms needing weekly therapy | 1-2 sessions per week | No |
A PHP is an excellent middle-ground option, providing structured care while allowing individuals to maintain aspects of their daily life.
What to Expect in a Partial Hospitalization Program
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our PHP in Massachusetts is designed to provide a structured, supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.
1. Comprehensive Therapy
- Individual therapy using CBT and DBT therapy techniques
- Group therapy sessions for peer support and shared recovery experiences
- Family therapy to strengthen relationships and build a support system
2. Medication Management
- Medical supervision for individuals managing psychiatric medications
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction recovery
3. Skills Training & Coping Strategies
- Emotional regulation techniques for stress management
- Relapse prevention planning for substance use recovery
- Mindfulness and self-care techniques
4. Crisis Intervention & Safety Planning
- Daily monitoring and crisis support
- Individualized safety plans for managing high-risk situations
- Transition support to lower levels of care when stable
5. Flexibility & Support
- Patients return home each evening, maintaining personal responsibilities
- Support in transitioning to outpatient therapy after PHP completion
With structured therapy, medical supervision, and skill-building, PHP participants develop the foundation for lasting recovery.
How PHP Supports Long-Term Recovery
PHP is not just about short-term stabilization—it sets individuals up for long-term success.
How PHP Helps Build a Strong Recovery Foundation:
- Provides structure and accountability
- Helps individuals practice coping skills in real-world settings
- Offers continued peer support through group therapy
- Reduces the risk of relapse and hospitalization
By offering continued treatment with real-world application, PHP helps individuals build resilience and maintain long-term stability.
How to Access a Partial Hospitalization Program in Massachusetts
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive PHP treatment for individuals seeking structured mental health and addiction care.
Our PHP Includes Treatment For:
- Mental Health Treatment Program Massachusetts
- Addiction Treatment Programs Massachusetts
- Depression Therapy Program Massachusetts
- Anxiety Therapy Program Massachusetts
- CBT Therapy Program Massachusetts
- DBT Therapy Program Massachusetts
Getting Started is Simple:
- Call 774-228-4112 for a free consultation.
- Schedule an assessment to determine if PHP is right for you.
- Begin treatment and receive structured support for recovery.
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, we believe that healing is possible for everyone. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, or dual diagnosis conditions, our PHP in Massachusetts provides the support, guidance, and evidence-based treatments needed for lasting recovery. A PHP provides the balance between structure and flexibility, allowing individuals to focus on healing while maintaining personal responsibilities.
Conclusion
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers the structured, intensive care needed for mental health and addiction recovery, while still allowing individuals to maintain important aspects of their daily lives. It serves as the perfect middle ground between inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient therapy, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive therapy, medical support, and essential coping skills to build a strong foundation for long-term wellness.
At Behavioral Health Center in Massachusetts, we are committed to helping individuals regain control of their lives through evidence-based treatment. If you or a loved one needs help, call 774-228-4112 today to learn more about our PHP and other treatment programs. Recovery starts now!
FAQ About Partial Hospitalization Programs
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A PHP is an intensive, structured treatment program designed for individuals who need daily therapy and medical support but do not require 24/7 inpatient care. It provides a higher level of care than outpatient therapy while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings.
Who is a PHP best suited for?
PHP is ideal for individuals who:
- Need structured support for mental health or addiction recovery
- Are transitioning from inpatient hospitalization to outpatient care
- Require medical supervision and therapy but can manage daily responsibilities
- Have moderate to severe mental health or substance use disorders
What conditions are treated in a PHP?
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our PHP in Massachusetts treats:
- Mental health disorders (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder)
- Substance use disorders (Opioid, Alcohol, and Stimulant Addiction)
- Dual diagnosis conditions (Mental health and addiction co-occurring)
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation requiring structured intervention
What types of therapy are included in a PHP?
Our PHP therapy programs include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and changing negative thought patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
- Group Therapy – Support from peers in similar recovery journeys
- Family Therapy – Strengthening relationships and support systems
- Medication Management – Supervision and adjustments by medical professionals
How long does a PHP program last?
The length of a PHP varies based on individual needs, but most programs last between two to six weeks, with progress reviewed regularly by a treatment team.
Can I work or go to school while in a PHP?
PHP requires a significant time commitment, but many individuals can adjust their schedules to accommodate treatment. If you need more flexibility, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) may be a better fit.
