Trust SoCal Treatment Center

What to Expect in a PHP Program: A Complete Walkthrough

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) represent a critical level of care in the addiction treatment continuum, offering intensive clinical programming during t...

Medically reviewed by Rachel Handa, Clinical Director — Updated February 1, 2026

Overview

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) represent a critical level of care in the addiction treatment continuum, offering intensive clinical programming during the day while allowing clients to return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings. PHP is often the recommended step-down from residential treatment or an entry point for individuals who need more structure than outpatient care provides but do not require 24/7 residential supervision. At Trust SoCal in Orange County, our PHP program delivers five to six hours of daily clinical programming, five days per week, combining evidence-based individual and group therapies with psychiatric services, life skills training, and holistic wellness practices. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of what to expect from the structure, therapeutic components, daily experience, and transition process of a PHP program, helping you or your loved one approach this level of care with clarity and confidence.

Understanding PHP: What It Is and Who It Serves

A partial hospitalization program, sometimes called a day program, bridges the gap between the intensive, 24/7 environment of residential treatment and the more flexible structure of outpatient care. PHP is designed for individuals who are medically stable and do not require around-the-clock supervision but who still need a high level of clinical intensity to address their substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Clients in PHP typically attend programming five days per week for five to six hours each day, participating in a structured schedule of therapeutic activities.

PHP is commonly recommended for individuals who have recently completed residential treatment and need continued intensive support during the early stages of reintegration into daily life. It is also appropriate for individuals stepping down from medical detox who have stable living environments, or for those whose clinical needs are too complex for standard outpatient or IOP care. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) classifies PHP as Level 2.5 on the continuum of care, recognizing it as a clinically intensive outpatient service.

At Trust SoCal, our PHP program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team that includes licensed therapists, a psychiatrist, a program director, and behavioral health technicians. Each client receives an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific substance use patterns, mental health needs, trauma history, relational dynamics, and recovery goals. The combination of high clinical intensity with the opportunity to practice recovery skills in real-world settings makes PHP a uniquely effective level of care for many individuals in early recovery.

A Typical Day in PHP

A typical day in Trust SoCal's PHP program begins with arrival at the facility in the morning, usually between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. The day opens with a check-in group where clients share how they are feeling, report on any challenges or successes from the previous evening, and set intentions for the day. This daily check-in helps the clinical team monitor each client's emotional state and identify emerging concerns that may need to be addressed in individual sessions.

The morning block typically includes a combination of process group therapy and psychoeducation sessions. Process groups provide a facilitated space for clients to explore interpersonal dynamics, share experiences, practice vulnerability, and receive feedback from peers and therapists. Psychoeducation sessions cover topics essential to recovery, such as the neuroscience of addiction, identifying and managing triggers, cognitive distortions and how to challenge them, healthy communication skills, and understanding the stages of change. A lunch break provides time for a nutritious meal and informal peer connection.

The afternoon programming may include specialty groups such as relapse prevention planning, DBT skills training, trauma-informed care groups, or creative expression therapies. Individual therapy sessions and psychiatric appointments are scheduled during the afternoon block as well. The day concludes around 3:00 to 3:30 PM with a closing group that includes reflections on the day, homework assignments for the evening, and a mindfulness or grounding exercise. Clients then return home or to their sober living residence, where they are encouraged to attend evening recovery support meetings.

9:00 AM - Arrival and morning check-in group
9:30-11:30 AM - Process group therapy and psychoeducation
11:30 AM-12:30 PM - Lunch break and peer connection
12:30-2:30 PM - Specialty groups, individual therapy, or psychiatric services
2:30-3:30 PM - Closing group, reflection, and mindfulness practice

Therapeutic Components

The therapeutic foundation of Trust SoCal's PHP program is built on evidence-based modalities that have been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and modify the thought patterns and beliefs that drive substance use. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and practicing mindfulness. For clients with trauma histories, EMDR and other trauma-focused approaches are integrated into individual and group work.

Group therapy is the backbone of PHP programming, and clients typically participate in multiple groups each day. The therapeutic power of group work lies in its ability to break through isolation, normalize the recovery experience, provide accountability, and offer a safe space to practice new relational skills. Groups are facilitated by licensed clinicians who create an environment of safety, respect, and constructive challenge. Topics rotate through a structured curriculum while also allowing flexibility to address emerging needs within the group.

Psychiatric services are a critical component of PHP, particularly for clients with co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. Our psychiatrist conducts medication evaluations, initiates or adjusts psychotropic medications, and monitors response and side effects throughout the program. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders, including buprenorphine, naltrexone, or acamprosate, is available for clients who may benefit from pharmacological support in managing cravings and maintaining sobriety.

Managing Life During PHP

One of the defining features of PHP is that clients maintain a degree of independence and real-world engagement while receiving intensive treatment. This structure presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, PHP allows individuals to begin practicing recovery skills in their actual environments, including navigating relationships, managing household responsibilities, and eventually returning to work or school. On the other hand, the lack of 24/7 supervision means clients must exercise greater personal accountability and self-management.

For clients living at home during PHP, establishing a structured evening and weekend routine is essential. This may include attending 12-step meetings or other recovery support groups, engaging in physical exercise, maintaining regular sleep and meal schedules, avoiding people, places, and situations associated with substance use, and building or reconnecting with a sober support network. Our clinical team works with each client to develop an individualized evening and weekend plan that supports continued progress.

Many PHP clients reside in sober living homes during treatment, which provides a supportive, substance-free environment with built-in accountability measures such as house meetings, chore responsibilities, curfews, and random drug testing. The combination of PHP clinical programming during the day and sober living structure in the evenings creates a comprehensive support system that is particularly effective for individuals who do not have a safe or supportive home environment. Trust SoCal can assist with sober living referrals and coordination.

Transitioning from PHP to IOP

The transition from PHP to intensive outpatient programming (IOP) is a planned step-down that occurs when clients have demonstrated consistent clinical progress, emotional stability, and the coping skills necessary to manage a less intensive treatment schedule. Typical indicators of readiness include active participation in therapeutic activities, consistent application of recovery skills outside of treatment hours, stable psychiatric functioning, a strong relapse prevention plan, and engagement with external recovery support systems.

At Trust SoCal, the step-down from PHP to IOP is a collaborative decision made between the client and their clinical team. The transition is designed to be gradual and supportive, not abrupt. Clients may initially attend a hybrid schedule, reducing PHP days while adding IOP sessions, to ease the adjustment. The continuity of working with the same clinical team through both PHP and IOP ensures that therapeutic progress is maintained and that any emerging challenges are addressed promptly.

Stepping down from PHP to IOP represents significant progress in recovery and reflects growing confidence in your ability to manage the demands of daily life while maintaining sobriety. It is normal to feel some anxiety about having fewer treatment hours, but this transition is also an opportunity to demonstrate to yourself that the skills you have developed in treatment are working. Your clinical team remains available for support, and the IOP structure continues to provide a meaningful level of clinical care and accountability.

Key Takeaways

PHP provides five to six hours of daily clinical programming, five days per week, offering intensive treatment with the flexibility to return home in the evenings.
PHP is ideal for individuals stepping down from residential treatment or those who need more structure than standard outpatient or IOP care.
Therapeutic components include CBT, DBT, trauma-focused therapies, group process, and psychiatric medication management.
Clients in PHP practice recovery skills in real-world settings, building independence and accountability alongside clinical support.
Sober living is often recommended during PHP to provide a structured, substance-free living environment.
The transition from PHP to IOP is a planned, collaborative step-down based on demonstrated clinical progress.
Trust SoCal's PHP program in Orange County is staffed by a multidisciplinary clinical team and individualized to each client's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a PHP program typically last?

PHP programs typically last two to four weeks, though the duration is determined by individual clinical needs and progress. Some clients may remain in PHP for six weeks or longer if their clinical team determines that stepping down to IOP would be premature. At Trust SoCal, treatment length is driven by clinical necessity, not arbitrary timelines, and we work with your insurance provider to secure authorization for the appropriate length of stay.

Can I work while attending PHP?

Due to the intensity and schedule of PHP programming, typically five to six hours per day, five days per week, most clients are unable to maintain full-time employment during treatment. Some clients with flexible schedules may be able to work part-time during evenings or weekends. We recommend discussing your employment situation with your clinical team, who can help you plan for work reintegration as you step down to IOP, which offers greater scheduling flexibility.

What is the difference between PHP and residential treatment?

The primary difference is that residential treatment provides 24/7 on-site supervision and housing, while PHP clients attend structured programming during the day and return home or to sober living in the evenings. Both levels offer intensive clinical programming, but PHP requires clients to have greater independence and a safe living environment. PHP is typically a step down from residential treatment in the continuum of care.

Do I need to complete residential treatment before entering PHP?

No, PHP can serve as an entry point to treatment for individuals who do not require 24/7 residential supervision. Clients who have completed medical detox, have stable medical and psychiatric conditions, and have a safe living environment may enter PHP directly. Our admissions team conducts a thorough assessment to determine the most appropriate level of care for each individual. Call (949) 280-8360 for a confidential evaluation.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Recovery begins with a single step. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Verify Insurance Now (949) 280-8360

What to Expect in a PHP Program: A Complete Walkthrough

Overview

Understanding PHP: What It Is and Who It Serves

A Typical Day in PHP

Therapeutic Components

Managing Life During PHP

Transitioning from PHP to IOP

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

IOP vs. PHP: Comparing Outpatient Levels of Care

What to Expect in IOP: Your Guide to Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

Ready to Start Your Journey?

What to Expect in a PHP Program: A Complete Walkthrough

Overview

Understanding PHP: What It Is and Who It Serves

A Typical Day in PHP

Therapeutic Components

Managing Life During PHP

Transitioning from PHP to IOP

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

IOP vs. PHP: Comparing Outpatient Levels of Care

What to Expect in IOP: Your Guide to Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

Ready to Start Your Journey?