Do you need more than outpatient therapy but do not need residential 24-hour treatment? Getting the proper dose of treatment intensity is necessary for recovery success. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is ideal if you would like to step down from inpatient therapy into outpatient.

PHP provides intensive, structured treatment each day in a treatment environment, but still allows clients to return home at night. It differs from outpatient treatment in that it provides the comprehensive care of residential treatment in a partial hospitalization environment and also enables clients to stay connected with their family and practice their new recovery skills on a regular basis in their own community.

By participating in our program, patients access the comprehensive array of therapy and medical intervention needed to manage issues with addiction as well as mental illness without being required to absolutely disrupt their lifestyles. Our PHP program in Mission Viejo, CA, is designed to deliver to you every tool, strategy, and aid necessary in order to assure ongoing recovery.

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured level of care that falls between intensive outpatient programs and residential treatment. PHP provides intensive addiction and mental health treatment for several hours a day, typically five to seven days a week, while still allowing individuals to return home or sober living at night.

This kind of care includes medical supervision, individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric treatment all in one program. With Christopher Care, our PHP offers a structured setting in which the client can engage in healing activities during the day and still enjoy some autonomy and contact with family at night.

Compared to residential treatment, where clients are at the facility 24 hours a day, PHP offers an in-between situation that provides close clinical care without requiring overnight visits. This moderation makes PHP a good option for individuals who need much support but already have a supportive living situation and don’t require 24/7 monitoring.

Christopher Care’s adult Partial Hospitalization Program in California delivers a structured approach to addiction recovery through several essential components:

Daily Structure: Our PHP operates 5-7 days weekly, with sessions typically running 6 hours daily. This consistent schedule helps clients establish healthy routines, which are vital for recovery.

Medical Supervision: Licensed medical professionals monitor clients’ physical health, manage medications, and address withdrawal symptoms or other health concerns. This medical oversight is particularly important for those with co-occurring medical conditions.

Evidence-Based Therapies: Our program incorporates proven therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. These methods help clients identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and build motivation for lasting change.

Group Counseling Sessions: Group therapy forms the backbone of our PHP, providing peer support, shared learning experiences, and opportunities to practice interpersonal skills.

Individual Therapy: Regular one-on-one sessions with a dedicated therapist allow for personalized treatment planning and in-depth exploration of personal issues.

Family Involvement: We recognize the importance of healing family systems affected by addiction. Our PHP includes family therapy sessions and education to help rebuild relationships.

Skill Development: Practical life skills training helps clients manage daily challenges in sobriety, including stress management, communication skills, and healthy leisure activities.

At Christopher Care, we recognize that each person’s path to addiction is unique, which is why we create personalized treatment plans for every client in our Partial Hospitalization Program. Upon admission, our clinical team conducts a full assessment covering:

Substance Use History: We examine the substances used, duration of use, amount and frequency, previous withdrawal experiences, and past treatment attempts.

Mental Health Assessment: Our team screens for co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, or personality disorders that need to be addressed alongside addiction.

Physical Health Evaluation: A medical assessment identifies any health concerns that might impact treatment or require special attention during recovery.

Personal Goals and Preferences: We involve clients in setting meaningful recovery goals and identifying treatment preferences to enhance their engagement.

Based on this assessment, we develop a specific treatment plan that addresses your unique needs, challenges, and strengths. This plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted throughout your time in our PHP to reflect your progress and evolving needs.

A large number of persons pursuing addiction treatment also have mental health challenges, which are referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Christopher Care’s adult mental health Partial Hospitalization Program is the best option for treating these complicated cases. Our integrated treatment plan allows us to treat the addiction and mental health challenges at the same time, as they often affect and exacerbate one another. Our dual-focus treatment plan offers:

Psychiatric Services: Regular evaluation and medication management by experienced psychiatrists who understand the interactions between mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Trauma-Informed Care: Recognition of how past trauma contributes to both addiction and mental health challenges, with specific therapeutic approaches designed to address trauma safely.

Specialized Therapy Groups: Groups focused on specific mental health concerns such as anxiety management, depression, or trauma recovery.

Holistic Methods: Incorporation of stress-reduction techniques, mindfulness practices, and wellness activities that benefit both mental health and addiction recovery.

Coordinated Treatment Team: Regular communication among all treatment providers to ensure that both mental health and addiction issues are being addressed cohesively.

This integrated approach significantly improves outcomes for clients with dual diagnosis, as treating only one condition often leads to relapse in both areas.

When searching for the right PHP program, particularly if you’re looking for an “adult mental health partial hospitalization program near me,” consider these important factors:

Program Specialization: Some PHPs focus primarily on mental health, while others specialize in addiction or dual diagnosis. Christopher Care excels in treating both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, making our program ideal for those with dual diagnosis needs.

Treatment Approaches: Look for programs that offer evidence-based therapies rather than experimental or purely alternative approaches. Our PHP incorporates proven methods like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing alongside supportive holistic practices.

Staff Qualifications: Check that the program employs licensed, experienced clinicians with specific expertise in addiction and mental health treatment. Christopher Care’s team includes board-certified addiction medicine physicians, licensed therapists, and certified addiction counselors.

Program Structure: Consider how many days per week and hours per day the program requires, and whether this fits your needs and schedule. Our flexible approach allows for adjustments as you progress through treatment.

Insurance and Payment Options: Verify whether the program accepts your insurance and what out-of-pocket costs you might expect. Our admissions team can help verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage for PHP services.

Success Rates and Reviews: While respecting privacy, reputable programs should be able to share general information about their outcomes and may have reviews or testimonials from former clients.

Determining whether a Partial Hospitalization Program is the appropriate level of care depends on several factors. PHP may be right for you if:

You need more support than outpatient treatment provides: If weekly therapy sessions or even intensive outpatient programs haven’t provided enough structure for successful recovery, PHP offers more intensive intervention.

You don’t require 24-hour supervision: If you’re medically stable, not at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, and have a safe, supportive living situation, you may not need the constant supervision of residential treatment.

You have a supportive home environment: Since you’ll return home or to sober living each evening, having supportive family members or housemates can significantly enhance PHP effectiveness.

You’ve recently completed detox or residential treatment: PHP is often ideal for continuing treatment after these more intensive levels of care, helping solidify early recovery while gradually increasing independence.

You have co-occurring disorders requiring coordinated care: Our PHP specializes in addressing the complex needs of those with both substance use and mental health disorders.

If you’re unsure whether PHP is right for you, Christopher Care offers thorough assessments to help determine the most appropriate level of care for your specific situation.

How long does a typical Partial Hospitalization Program last?

The length of a Partial Hospitalization Program varies based on individual needs, but typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. At Christopher Care, we don’t adhere to a one-size-fits-all timeline—instead, we assess progress regularly and adjust the treatment duration accordingly. Some clients may benefit from a shorter PHP experience before stepping down to an Intensive Outpatient Program, while others may need extended time at this level of care. Factors affecting program length include severity of addiction, presence of co-occurring disorders, response to treatment, and development of recovery skills. Your treatment team will work with you to determine the appropriate length of stay based on your specific situation and progress.

What’s the difference between a Partial Hospitalization Program and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

The main differences between PHP and IOP involve time commitment, intensity, and structure. Partial Hospitalization Programs typically run 5-7 days per week for about 6 hours daily, while IOPs usually operate 3-5 days weekly for 3-4 hours per day. PHPs offer more medical supervision and are appropriate for those needing significant structure and support but not 24-hour care. IOPs allow more independence and flexibility to work or attend school part-time. At Christopher Care, PHP clients receive more frequent individual therapy, psychiatric services, and group sessions than in our IOP. Many clients start in PHP and transition to IOP as they progress in recovery, creating a step-down approach that gradually increases independence.

Does insurance cover Partial Hospitalization Programs?

Yes, most insurance plans cover Partial Hospitalization Programs, though coverage details vary by provider and specific plan. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies must provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorders comparable to coverage for physical health conditions. At Christopher Care, we work with most major insurance providers and will verify your benefits before you begin treatment. Our insurance specialists can explain your coverage, including any deductibles, copayments, or limitations specific to your plan. For clients with limited or no insurance coverage, we also discuss alternative payment options to make treatment as accessible as possible.

Can I work or attend school while in a PHP program?

While participating in a Partial Hospitalization Program, most clients find it difficult to simultaneously work or attend school due to the program’s intensive schedule—typically 6 hours per day, 5-7 days per week. Some clients may be able to maintain limited evening or weekend work, but we generally recommend focusing fully on treatment during this time. As you progress and transition to less intensive levels of care like our Intensive Outpatient Program, you’ll have more flexibility to reintegrate work or school into your schedule. The temporary pause in outside responsibilities allows you to fully engage in the recovery process, developing the skills and stability needed for long-term success in both your personal and professional life.

What happens after completing a Partial Hospitalization Program?

After completing a Partial Hospitalization Program at Christopher Care, most clients step down to a less intensive level of care rather than ending treatment completely. The most common next step is our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which provides continued support with fewer hours and days of treatment. This graduated approach helps reinforce recovery skills while you begin reintegrating into normal life activities. Throughout your PHP experience, your treatment team will work with you to develop a personalized aftercare plan that may include outpatient therapy, support group participation, alumni program involvement, and connections to community resources. This continuing care approach significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes by providing ongoing support as you transition back to independent living.