Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health (GBBH), we know that mental health treatment should fit into your life, not disrupt it. That’s why we offer a day treatment program, also known as a Partial Hospitalization Program, designed to support individuals facing mental health challenges while providing the flexibility needed to maintain daily responsibilities.
Our PHP offers intensive, structured care during the daytime, giving clients access to therapeutic support without sacrificing important commitments like work, school, or family. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges or need more structured support, this program offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to care. It’s an ideal choice for those transitioning from a more intensive level of care or seeking balance between treatment and a busy personal or professional schedule. With GBBH’s partial hospitalization program, you can take meaningful steps toward wellness while continuing to manage the responsibilities in your life.
Need Structure Without Full-Time Stay?
Let’s talk about whether a day program like PHP is the right step for you.
You deserve support that fits your life — and we’re here to help you find it.
Our PHP is designed to provide the necessary structure and intensity for meaningful healing while accommodating the busy schedules of our clients. Daytime sessions offer focused time for therapy and personal growth, making it ideal for individuals balancing professional, academic, or personal responsibilities during the day.
Who Is a Partial Hospitalization Program For?
A Partial Hospitalization Program is designed for individuals who need structured, daily mental health care but do not require 24/7 inpatient hospitalization. PHP may be an appropriate level of care for adults who:
- Need more support than traditional outpatient therapy can provide
- Are stepping down from inpatient or residential treatment
- Are managing conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, or emotional dysregulation
- Can safely return home or to a supportive living environment each evening
Who May Need a Different Level of Care?
PHP may not be appropriate for everyone. A higher or different level of care may be recommended for individuals who:
- Require round-the-clock medical or psychiatric supervision
- Are experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis
- Do not have a safe or stable home environment
- Need detoxification or immediate inpatient stabilization
An initial clinical assessment helps determine the most appropriate level of care.
Comprehensive Care with Flexibility
Partial hospitalization allows a person to receive treatment while living at home or in other community-based settings. It offers more intensive treatment during the day than an night treatment
At GBBH, our PHP clients receive several hours of care from qualified mental health professionals daily, including group therapy and individual counseling sessions. Clients may also participate in skills training, medication management, and relapse prevention classes. These activities help clients become independent and practice coping skills in everyday situations. The length of the program can vary depending on the client’s needs but generally ranges from three months to a year or longer if needed.
GBBH clients participating in our PHP receive individualized care plans that address their unique needs and goals. Treatment is tailored to each client’s background, preferences, and strengths.
How PHP Compares to Other Levels of Mental Health Care
Mental health treatment is offered across multiple levels of care, each designed to meet different clinical needs.
- Inpatient Treatment: Provides 24/7 supervision and care in a hospital or residential setting.
- Partial Hospitalization Program: Offers full-day, structured treatment while allowing clients to return home in the evenings.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Involves fewer treatment hours per week and greater independence outside of therapy sessions.
PHP is often recommended for individuals who need intensive support but do not require overnight hospitalization.
What Does a Typical Day in a PHP Look Like?
While each client’s treatment plan is individualized, most PHP schedules include structured programming during daytime hours, typically five days per week. A typical day may involve:
- Group therapy focused on skill-building and emotional regulation
- Individual therapy sessions with licensed clinicians
- Psychiatric support and medication management when needed
- Therapeutic activities that support coping skills and daily functioning
Clients return home each evening, allowing them to apply what they learn in real-world settings while remaining supported by a structured clinical program.
What to Expect in Our Day Treatment (PHP) Program
Compassionate structure, clinical support, and a path to lasting recovery—all without 24/7 hospitalization.
Structured Daily Schedule
Attend therapy sessions five days a week while still returning home each evening.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Participate in individual, group, and family therapy using DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed care.
Whole-Person Support
Benefit from mindfulness, nutrition, and wellness activities that support both body and mind.
Smooth Transition Support
PHP serves as a vital step-down from inpatient care or a structured start to outpatient recovery.
Peer Community
Connect with others who understand what you're going through—you're never alone in this process.
Evidence-Based Therapies at Greater Boston Behavioral Health
The compassionate, expert teams at GBBH are dedicated to providing evidence-based therapies that effectively address mental health challenges. Our comprehensive treatment programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, offering the following therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety, depression, etc, while promoting healthier coping strategies.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal relationships, especially for those dealing with intense emotions and trauma.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to behavioral changes that align with their values, helping to manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles.
- Group Therapy: Offers a supportive environment where clients can share their experiences, gain insights, and build a sense of community with others on similar journeys.
- Trauma Therapy: Provides targeted support for individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them process and heal from distressing memories in a safe and therapeutic environment.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A trauma-focused therapy that helps clients process and heal from distressing memories through guided eye movements, reducing the emotional impact of trauma.
- Anxiety and Depression Therapy: Specialized treatment to address the underlying causes of anxiety and depression, offering clients the tools to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
- Anger Management Therapy: Teaches clients to recognize triggers, regulate responses, and develop healthier communication and problem-solving skills, reducing anger’s impact on daily life and relationships.
These therapies form the core of our treatment approach, ensuring that every client receives personalized, effective care to support their mental health needs.
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive care for a wide range of mental health conditions. Our specialized team is experienced in treating:
- Anxiety Disorders: Helping individuals manage symptoms of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, and more.
- Depression: Offering therapy and support for those struggling with depression, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Providing effective treatment for intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
- Trauma & PTSD: Addressing trauma-related symptoms with trauma-focused therapies like EMDR.
- Bipolar Disorder: Supporting individuals in managing mood swings and stabilizing their mental health.
- Personality Disorders: Offering therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other personality-related issues.
- ADHD: Providing therapeutic interventions to improve focus, organization, and impulse control.
Our PHP offers structured, flexible support designed to promote long-term mental health stability and overall well-being.
Mental Health Statistics
“2019 N-MHSS.” Www.samhsa.gov, www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29388/2019_NMHSS/2019_NMHSS.html.
Mental Health America. “Quick Facts and Statistics about Mental Health.” Mental Health America, 2022, mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts.
Terlizzi, Emily, and Jeannine Schiller. “Mental Health Treatment among Adults Aged 18–44: United States, 2019–2021.” Www.cdc.gov, 6 Sept. 2022, www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db444.htm.
National Institute of Mental Health. “Mental Illness.” National Institute of Mental Health, Mar. 2023, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.
Finding PHP Treatment near Me
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we provide PHP treatment for individuals seeking help dealing with mental health issues in a supportive, affirming environment. Our goal is to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. To learn more about our PHP program please call us at (888)278-0716 or visit our location in Needham, MA.
- Greater Boston Behavioral Health: 322 Reservoir Street Needham, MA 02494
Accreditations You Can Trust
Trusted, Recognized, and Backed by Leading Organizations
These badges reflect our standing with respected local and national groups — including Psychology Today, Charles River Recovery, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Click below to see what each badge means.
The Joint Commission
Considered the gold standard in healthcare quality, The Joint Commission evaluates programs on safety, ethics, and clinical excellence. Their seal means our treatment meets some of the most rigorous national standards in the field.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
DPH approval confirms that our programs follow all state requirements for safety, staffing, licensing, and oversight. In simple terms: the state reviews our operations and verifies that we meet the standards needed to provide trustworthy care.
Psychology Today Verified
Being verified on Psychology Today shows that our clinicians are licensed, professionally credentialed, and approved by one of the most widely used mental health directories in the country.
Charles River Recovery Partnership
This partnership connects us with another respected Massachusetts treatment provider, allowing clients to move safely between levels of care and ensuring continuity, collaboration, and high-quality support.
National Quality Seal (Gold Emblem)
This represents our commitment to following recognized best practices in behavioral health. It signals that we go beyond the basics — focusing on safe, ethical, evidence-based care at every step.
Is PHP Treatment Covered By My Insurance Provider?
To confirm your insurance coverage for the PHP treatment program at Greater Boston Behavioral Health, begin by reaching out to your insurance provider to inquire about the specifics of your plan. You can also check your coverage online or review your benefits handbook for detailed information. At GBBH, our team is here to help you navigate your insurance plan and determine which services are covered. We strive to make the process easy so you can focus on getting the care you need.
What Does the PHP Admissions Process Entail?
At GBBH, we strive to make the admissions process for our PHP straightforward and supportive. It starts with an initial consultation, where our experienced team assesses your mental health needs, reviews your symptoms, and discusses your treatment history. This evaluation helps us identify the most suitable level of care and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. After the assessment, our admissions team will assist with paperwork, coordinate with your insurance provider, and address any questions to ensure a smooth transition into treatment.
What Happens After Completing PHP?
Partial hospitalization is often a transitional step within a broader continuum of care. After completing PHP, many clients move to a lower level of support, such as:
- An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Standard outpatient therapy
- Ongoing psychiatric care and medication management
Before discharge, each client works with the treatment team to develop an individualized aftercare plan designed to support continued stability and long-term mental health progress.
Do I Need a Referral for a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A referral is not always required to begin a Partial Hospitalization Program. Many individuals can self-refer by contacting our admissions team directly.
Referrals may also come from:
- Therapists or psychiatrists
- Primary care providers
- Hospitals or inpatient treatment programs
When appropriate, our team coordinates care with existing providers to support continuity and a smooth transition into PHP.
What Are the Costs of PHP Treatment?
The cost of PHP treatment at Greater Boston Behavioral Health varies based on the services provided, including therapy, medication management, and specialized care. Factors such as the type of care and session frequency influence the cost. For detailed information, contact our admissions team. We work with insurance providers and offer financial assistance to help manage expenses and ensure you get the support you need.
Knowing your payment options is essential for making informed decisions about your day treatment program options. We suggest reviewing your insurance policy or calling us at (888)278-0716. At GBBH, our team is here to help verify your insurance coverage.
FAQs About Our Partial Hospitalization Program in Boston, Massachusetts
A PHP is a structured, intensive mental health program where you attend treatment during the day and return home at night. It provides daily therapy and support without requiring an overnight stay.
PHP may be a good fit if you’re struggling with your mental health and feel stuck between outpatient therapy and inpatient care. Many people enter PHP when symptoms begin interfering with daily life, work, school, or relationships.
You may benefit from PHP if you:
Feel overwhelmed despite ongoing therapy
Need daily structure and clinical support
Are stepping down from inpatient treatment
Want intensive care while still living at home
Our admissions team can help determine if PHP is the right level of care for you.
Most PHPs run 5–6 days per week for several weeks. The length of your program depends on your progress and mental health goals.
Treatment often includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, group sessions, family therapy, and medication management. Mindfulness, stress management, and relapse prevention may also be included.
Our PHP supports individuals experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including:
Depression and mood disorders
Anxiety and panic disorders
Trauma-related conditions
Emotional regulation challenges
Other conditions such as Bipolar I, Bipolar II, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and more
Care is individualized based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment goals.
PHP runs during the day, so adjustments may be needed. However, you can still return home in the evenings, balancing family and life responsibilities.
Yes. Family therapy and education are often included so loved ones understand your mental health needs and can be part of your healing process.
PHP is considered a structured outpatient program. While it offers intensive, daily treatment similar to inpatient care, you return home each evening. This allows you to receive a high level of clinical support while maintaining connection to your home environment.
Still have questions about PHP?
We’re here to walk you through it—no pressure, no hold times — just real answers from people who care.
Let’s get your admission process started when you’re ready.
Navigating Mental Health Treatment with Support You Can Trust
When it comes to mental health, finding the right support can make all the difference. Whether you’re facing psychiatric disorders, emotional distress, or just feeling overwhelmed, compassionate help is available. Our treatment options include everything from psychiatric evaluations and medication management to ongoing outpatient therapy and inpatient hospitalization. You don’t have to walk through this alone; our care is built around you.
Our multidisciplinary treatment team—including board-certified psychiatrists, behavioral health specialists, and case managers—works together to develop personalized care plans. Depending on your needs, we offer various levels of support: outpatient care, partial hospitalization services, and inpatient programs. Each option is designed to meet you where you are, whether you need flexibility for everyday life or a more structured healing environment in an inpatient unit.
At the heart of everything we do is a deep belief in holistic, person-centered care. From community mental health centers to inpatient treatment settings, we provide access to comprehensive mental health care that honors your journey. You deserve a team that listens, adapts, and supports your healing every step of the way.
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