What Is Day Treatment (Partial Hospitalization Program – PHP)?
Day treatment commonly referred to as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a highly structured level of outpatient mental health and addiction treatment for individuals who need intensive care but do not require 24/7 inpatient supervision. PHP treatment is ideal for those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions who have a stable and supportive living environment and do not need medical detox.
A day treatment program provides comprehensive clinical care while allowing clients to return home or to sober living in the evenings. PHPs offer many of the same therapies and structure as residential treatment, without requiring overnight stays.
Most partial hospitalization programs involve up to 6–8 hours of treatment per day, 5 days per week, totaling 25 or more hours of therapy weekly. Program length varies depending on individual needs and severity but typically ranges from 30 days to several months, with some PHPs extending up to a year as clinically appropriate.
Day treatment programs vary in cost based on location, amenities, and level of care. On average, a 3-month PHP program costs between $5,000 and $10,000, with more affordable options available as well as luxury day treatment programs offering high-end accommodations and enhanced services.
Benefits of Day Treatment Programs
Day treatment is the highest level of outpatient care available and offers many of the same clinical benefits as inpatient rehab—without full-time residency.
Key benefits of day treatment / PHP include:
- Intensive, structured care comparable to residential treatment
- Treatment for mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders
- Daily accountability that supports consistency and motivation
- Ability to live at home or in sober living while receiving treatment
- Strong clinical oversight from licensed mental health and addiction professionals
For students, many PHP mental health programs support continued education through online schooling, academic coordination, or tutoring. Some centers also provide vocational coaching to help clients work toward long-term educational and career goals.
Because PHPs run five days per week, they promote accountability, routine, and momentum—key elements for sustained recovery.
Types of Services Offered in Day Treatment (PHP)
Most day treatment programs for mental health and addiction provide a comprehensive range of evidence-based services, including:
Therapeutic approaches commonly used in PHP treatment include:
Group therapy plays a central role in PHPs, allowing individuals to connect with peers facing similar challenges, build support networks, and practice interpersonal skills in a safe, structured environment.
Many day treatment centers also offer holistic and experiential therapies to support whole-person healing, such as:
Treatment plans are personalized to meet each individual’s clinical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.
How to Start a Day Treatment Program
Entering a day treatment or PHP program may feel overwhelming, but treatment centers are designed to make the process straightforward and supportive.
For mental health day treatment, most programs require:
- A documented mental health diagnosis
- A clinical assessment to determine the appropriate level of care
For addiction day treatment, programs assess substance use history, mental health needs, and whether detox or residential care is required first.
Initial assessments are often completed over the phone or virtually. Based on this evaluation, the admissions team will recommend PHP, inpatient care, intensive outpatient (IOP), or another appropriate level of treatment.
Some PHPs require clients to complete inpatient or residential treatment before stepping down, while others allow individuals to begin treatment directly at the day treatment level.
Most programs look for a willingness to participate, engage in therapy, and commit to personal growth. Researching the treatment center or speaking directly with admissions staff can help ensure the program aligns with your needs and recovery goals.
