For individuals struggling with mental health disorders, finding the right level of care is essential for healing and long-term stability. While some individuals benefit from weekly therapy, others may need a more structured and intensive treatment approach. A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an effective treatment option for individuals who require comprehensive mental health support but do not need 24/7 inpatient hospitalization.
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, our PHP provides intensive therapy, psychiatric care, and skill-building programs to help individuals manage and overcome a variety of mental health conditions. In this guide, we will explore what mental conditions PHP can treat, how PHP works, and why it may be the right choice for you or a loved one.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured day treatment program designed for individuals who require intensive mental health care but do not need full-time hospitalization. Participants attend treatment for 5-6 hours per day, 5-6 days per week, engaging in a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy, medication management, and skill-building exercises.
PHP serves as an intermediate level of care between inpatient hospitalization and outpatient therapy, offering individuals a higher level of care than traditional therapy while allowing them to return home each night.
Key Components of a PHP
- Individual therapy to address personal mental health challenges.
- Group therapy to provide peer support and shared learning.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to enhance emotional regulation.
- Medication management for individuals needing psychiatric support.
- Anger management therapy for individuals struggling with impulse control and emotional regulation.
- Holistic wellness practices such as mindfulness, stress management, and lifestyle coaching.
What Mental Health Conditions Can a PHP Treat?
1. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the U.S. and can significantly interfere with daily life. PHP treatment can help individuals manage:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Persistent, excessive worry about everyday situations.
- Panic Disorder – Recurrent panic attacks that cause overwhelming fear.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Extreme fear of social situations or interactions.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts and behaviors.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Ongoing distress following a traumatic event.
2. Depressive Disorders
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, impacting over 21 million U.S. adults. PHP provides intensive therapy and medication management to help individuals manage:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue.
- Bipolar Disorder – Episodes of extreme mood swings, including depressive and manic states.
- Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) – Chronic, long-term depression that lasts for years.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Depression that occurs seasonally, often during winter months.
3. Mood Disorders
Mood disorders affect an individual’s emotional state and ability to function in daily life. PHP treatment helps stabilize and regulate moods through therapy and medication management for conditions such as:
- Cyclothymic Disorder – A milder form of bipolar disorder with mood fluctuations.
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) – Severe emotional outbursts in children and adolescents.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – Severe mood swings and irritability before menstruation.
4. Personality Disorders
Personality disorders can impact relationships, self-identity, and emotional stability. PHPs provide structured therapy to help individuals improve emotional regulation, communication, and interpersonal skills for conditions such as:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Intense emotional instability and impulsivity.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) – Patterns of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) – Extreme social inhibition and fear of rejection.
- Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) – Excessive dependence on others for emotional and decision-making support.
5. Trauma-Related Disorders (PTSD & Complex Trauma)
Trauma and PTSD can have a profound impact on mental health, often requiring intensive treatment. PHPs offer trauma-focused therapy to help individuals process and heal from past traumatic experiences.
PHPs include:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to reprocess traumatic memories.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to challenge and change negative trauma-related thoughts.
- Exposure Therapy to gradually reduce trauma-related anxiety.
6. Anger Management and Impulse Control Disorders
PHP programs often include anger management therapy to help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing frustration, emotional dysregulation, and impulse control issues. Conditions treated include:
- Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) – Sudden outbursts of aggression or rage.
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – Ongoing defiance and hostility toward authority figures.
- Conduct Disorder – Persistent behavioral problems, including aggression and rule-breaking.
7. Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Many individuals experience both mental health disorders and substance use disorders, known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. PHPs provide integrated treatment for:
- Alcohol or drug addiction combined with depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
- Medication management to address both mental health and addiction recovery needs.
- Relapse prevention strategies and coping skills development.
8. Psychotic Disorders
While some psychotic disorders require inpatient hospitalization, PHP can be beneficial for individuals transitioning from inpatient care or those with milder symptoms. PHP helps manage:
- Schizoaffective Disorder – Symptoms of schizophrenia combined with mood disorder symptoms.
- Brief Psychotic Disorder – Short-term episodes of psychosis triggered by stress or trauma.
How PHP Supports Mental Health Recovery
1. Offers Intensive and Structured Care
PHPs provide consistent, structured therapy, helping individuals stabilize and improve mental health symptoms.
2. Provides a Supportive Community
Through group therapy and peer interaction, PHP offers a safe and supportive environment where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges.
3. Focuses on Long-Term Skill Development
PHP programs teach practical skills for emotional regulation, stress management, and relationship-building, helping individuals maintain long-term stability.
4. Serves as a Step-Down from Inpatient Care
For individuals transitioning from inpatient hospitalization or a residential treatment program, PHP provides ongoing support to prevent relapse and hospitalization.
5. Helps Prevent the Need for Inpatient Hospitalization
By offering intensive treatment in a structured setting, PHPs help individuals manage their symptoms before they reach a crisis point, reducing the likelihood of hospitalization.
Why Choose Greater Boston Behavioral Health for PHP?
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we provide evidence-based PHP treatment to help individuals recover from mental health conditions in a safe, structured, and compassionate environment.
- Highly trained mental health professionals specializing in evidence-based therapies.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Seamless transitions to IOP or outpatient therapy for continued support.
- Comprehensive therapy options, including CBT, DBT, and trauma therapy.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, or other mental health conditions, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Greater Boston Behavioral Health can provide the support you need. Call Greater Boston Behavioral Health today at 888.278.0716 to learn more about our PHP and other mental health treatment programs. Your journey to recovery starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intensive day treatment program for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require 24/7 inpatient care. PHP includes individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and skill-building exercises to help individuals manage mental health conditions effectively.
How long does a PHP program last?
The duration of a PHP varies based on individual needs. Most programs last between 2 to 6 weeks, with treatment sessions 5-6 hours per day, 5-6 days per week. Some individuals may require longer treatment depending on progress and symptom severity.
Who is a good candidate for PHP?
PHP is ideal for individuals who:
- Need intensive therapy but do not require hospitalization.
- Have completed inpatient treatment and need continued care.
- Experience frequent mental health crises and require structured support.
- Struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms.
- Need medication management and psychiatric care.
Will I receive medication management in PHP?
Yes. PHP includes psychiatric evaluations and medication management to ensure individuals receive the appropriate medications for symptom stabilization. Medication is adjusted as needed based on treatment progress and individual response.
Can PHP help with dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders)?
Yes. Many individuals in PHP have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. PHP provides integrated treatment, including:
- Therapy for both mental health and addiction recovery.
- Medication management for co-occurring conditions.
- Relapse prevention strategies and coping skills development.
Can I continue working while attending PHP?
Because PHP requires 5-6 hours of daily therapy, maintaining a full-time job can be challenging. Some individuals adjust their work schedules or take medical leave (FMLA) during treatment. If full-time work is necessary, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) may be a better option.
