When facing mental health challenges or substance use disorders, finding the right level of care is essential. For many individuals, outpatient therapy may not provide enough structure, but inpatient hospitalization may feel too restrictive. This is where a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) comes in, offering a balanced approach that combines intensive therapy, medical supervision, and flexibility.
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our Partial Hospitalization Program in Massachusetts provides comprehensive treatment for individuals who require structured care without full hospitalization. PHPs serve as a bridge between inpatient and outpatient care, allowing individuals to maintain aspects of their daily lives while receiving high-quality support.
This guide explores:
- What a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is
- Who benefits from a PHP
- Signs that you may need a PHP
- What to expect in a PHP at a Behavioral Health Treatment Center
- How PHP differs from other treatment programs
- How to access a Partial Hospitalization Program in Massachusetts
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or addiction challenges, a PHP may be the right step toward lasting recovery.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured, intensive treatment program designed for individuals who need daily therapy and medical support but do not require 24/7 inpatient hospitalization.
How a PHP Works
- Individuals attend structured therapy sessions during the day (typically 5-6 hours per day, 5-6 days per week).
- Patients return home in the evening, allowing them to maintain personal responsibilities like work, school, or caregiving.
- Treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and evidence-based interventions like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
- Medical supervision and crisis intervention are available for individuals at risk of relapse or emotional distress.
A PHP is more intensive than outpatient therapy but offers greater flexibility than inpatient hospitalization, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning between levels of care or requiring structured support.
Who Benefits from a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A PHP is ideal for individuals who require structured support but do not need full hospitalization. It is best suited for people who:
- Need intensive mental health or addiction treatment but can function outside of a hospital setting
- Are transitioning from inpatient hospitalization and still require structured care
- Struggle with severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance use disorders
- Need medical monitoring and medication management but do not require inpatient hospitalization
- Require daily therapy and coping strategies to maintain stability
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our PHP in Massachusetts provides treatment for:
- Depression and Anxiety Disorders
- PTSD and Trauma-Related Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder and Mood Disorders
- Substance Use Disorders and Dual Diagnosis Conditions
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
A PHP provides the support necessary for individuals to heal while allowing them to rebuild their independence.
Signs You May Need a Partial Hospitalization Program
If you’re unsure whether PHP is the right fit, here are some key signs that indicate you may benefit from PHP treatment:
1. You’re Struggling with Daily Functioning
If mental health symptoms or substance use are interfering with your ability to:
- Go to work or school
- Maintain relationships with family and friends
- Manage daily tasks and responsibilities
Then a PHP can help restore stability by providing structured care and coping skills training.
2. Outpatient Therapy is Not Enough
If you’ve been attending weekly outpatient therapy but feel that it’s not providing enough support, a PHP offers more frequent and intensive care to help you achieve recovery.
3. You’re at Risk of Relapse or Hospitalization
For individuals recovering from addiction or managing severe mental health symptoms, PHP provides daily supervision, therapy, and relapse prevention strategies to help avoid hospitalization or relapse.
4. You Need Intensive Therapy but Can Still Function at Home
Unlike inpatient rehab, PHP allows individuals to return home each evening, making it a great option for those who:
- Need intensive daily therapy but don’t require 24/7 supervision
- Have a supportive home environment
- Are able to practice coping skills outside of treatment
5. You’re Struggling with Emotional or Behavioral Instability
If you experience:
- Severe mood swings, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Self-harm behaviors or thoughts of suicide
- Difficulty regulating emotions
Then a PHP can help by providing intensive therapy, emotional regulation strategies, and crisis intervention.
6. You’re Transitioning from Inpatient to Outpatient Care
If you’ve recently completed inpatient rehab or psychiatric hospitalization, PHP serves as a step-down level of care, helping ease the transition back into daily life.
How PHP Differs from Other Treatment Programs
Comparing Levels of Care
| Treatment Type | Best For | Time Commitment | Overnight Stay? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Rehab | Individuals in 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 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 |
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
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) is the ideal treatment option for individuals who need structured, intensive care but do not require full-time hospitalization. Whether you’re struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, or transitioning from inpatient care, PHP provides the tools and support needed for recovery.
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, our PHP in Massachusetts offers comprehensive therapy, peer support, and skill-building, ensuring long-term stability and success. If you or a loved one needs help, call 774-228-4112 today to learn more about our PHP and other treatment programs. Your recovery starts now!
FAQ About Partial Hospitalization Programs
Who is a PHP best suited for?
A PHP is ideal for individuals who:
- Need structured mental health or addiction treatment
- Are transitioning from inpatient hospitalization
- Require intensive therapy and medical support but can live at home
- Are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance use disorders
- Need relapse prevention and emotional regulation support
What conditions does a PHP treat?
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 combined)
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
What types of therapy are included in a PHP?
Our PHP therapy programs include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps identify and change negative thought patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Teaches emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
- Group Therapy – Provides peer support and shared recovery experiences
- Family Therapy – Strengthens relationships and builds a support system
- Medication Management – Supervised care for mental health or addiction recovery
How long does a PHP last?
A PHP typically lasts four to eight weeks, depending on individual needs. Progress is reviewed regularly by the treatment team to determine the next steps in care.
Can I work or go to school while in a PHP?
PHP requires a daily time commitment of 5-6 hours, making it challenging to balance with full-time work or school. If you need more flexibility, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) may be a better option.
