Medically reviewed by Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Advisor
Some people finish detox or residential treatment and are not quite ready to return to a full schedule of work, family and daily responsibilities without strong support. Others are struggling and need more help than a weekly therapy appointment can give, but do not need round-the-clock care. A partial hospitalization program, often called PHP, is built for that middle ground.
At Promises Dallas-Fort Worth, PHP is an in-person day treatment program held at our Lewisville campus. Adults in PHP take part in structured days of therapy and clinical care for substance use disorders, mental health conditions or both, and then practice what they are learning in their everyday lives.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
PHP is one of the more intensive forms of outpatient care. It offers much of the clinical structure of a residential setting, including daily therapy, psychiatric care and close attention from a treatment team, without a residential stay.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine describes a continuum of care in which people move between levels of intensity based on their needs. PHP sits between residential treatment and intensive outpatient care on that continuum.
Who PHP Is For
PHP can be a good fit for adults who:
- Have completed medical detox and are medically stable but still need daily clinical support
- Are stepping down from residential treatment and want a gradual transition rather than an abrupt change
- Are living with depression, anxiety, trauma or another mental health condition that keeps interfering with daily life, even with weekly therapy
- Have had a return to use or a rise in symptoms and need more support than standard outpatient care offers
- Are medically stable and not in immediate danger of harming themselves or others
PHP is not the right starting point for everyone. If you are at risk of dangerous withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines, you may need medical detox first, because withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Our admissions team will talk with you about your history and current symptoms and recommend the level of care that fits.
What PHP Includes at Promises DFW
Each person’s plan is built around an assessment of their substance use, mental health, physical health and personal goals. PHP care can include:
- Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions to work on the issues driving substance use or mental health symptoms and to set goals that matter to you.
- Group therapy: Therapist-led groups where you learn skills, practice new ways of relating to others and hear from people facing similar challenges.
- Family therapy: Sessions that help loved ones understand treatment, rebuild trust and learn how to support recovery.
- Psychiatric care: Psychiatric evaluation and medication management, including a review of any medications you already take.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A structured approach for noticing and changing thought patterns that fuel cravings, low mood or worry.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Practical skills for handling intense emotions, tolerating distress and communicating your needs.
- Mindfulness-based approaches: Practices that help you stay present and respond to stress with more choice.
Because many people in PHP have both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, care is coordinated through our dual diagnosis treatment approach, so both are addressed at the same time rather than one after the other.
How PHP Fits Into the Continuum of Care
Recovery rarely moves in a straight line, and the right level of care can change over time. At Promises DFW, a person’s path may include several stages:
- Medical detox to manage withdrawal safely
- Residential addiction or mental health treatment for focused, live-in care
- PHP for structured day treatment as you regain independence
- Our virtual intensive outpatient program, available online to adults anywhere in Texas, for continued support several days a week
- An aftercare plan with outpatient referrals, support groups and relapse prevention strategies
Not everyone starts at the same point or goes through every step. Some people begin treatment in PHP. Others step up to PHP from outpatient care when symptoms increase. Your treatment team reviews your progress with you and talks about when it makes sense to move to a less intensive level.
What to Expect When You Start
Your first days in PHP usually focus on getting to know your treatment team and completing assessments. You will talk about your history, current symptoms, medications and what you hope to change. From there, your team develops a treatment plan with specific, realistic goals.
A PHP day typically blends group sessions, individual work and time with medical or psychiatric staff. You may be asked to practice new skills outside of sessions and bring what you noticed back to your groups. For practical tips, read our guide to preparing for a partial hospitalization program.
Admissions and Insurance
Starting PHP begins with a call to our admissions team, which is available 24/7. We will ask about your substance use, mental health, medical history and any recent treatment so we can recommend an appropriate level of care.
We offer free, confidential insurance verification. Promises DFW is in network with a number of commercial and Medicaid plans, but coverage for PHP always depends on your specific plan, medical necessity and any prior authorization your insurer requires. Our team will explain what we learn about your benefits before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PHP the same as inpatient treatment?
No. PHP provides intensive, structured treatment during the day, but it is not a residential program. It is designed for people who are medically stable and ready for more independence while still needing daily clinical support.
Can I attend PHP for a mental health condition alone?
Promises DFW admits adults for primary mental health treatment as well as primary substance use treatment. Our admissions team can tell you whether PHP is the right level of care for your symptoms.
How long does PHP last?
There is no set length. How long you stay depends on your progress, your goals, your clinical needs and your insurance coverage. Your team will talk with you regularly about next steps.
What happens after PHP?
Many people step down to virtual IOP and then continue with the outpatient referrals and supports in their aftercare plan. Every client at Promises DFW leaves with an aftercare plan.
Take the Next Step Toward Structured Support
If you or someone you love needs more than weekly therapy but not a residential stay, PHP may be the right fit. Call (469) 546-9303 to talk with admissions, review your insurance options, or contact Promises Dallas-Fort Worth with your questions.