What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) represents one of the most comprehensive outpatient treatment options available for individuals facing mental health challenges.

At Monima Wellness Center in San Diego, our women-focused PHP provides structured, intensive therapeutic support while allowing clients to maintain some aspects of their daily lives. If you’re considering treatment options for yourself or a loved one, understanding what a PHP entails can help you make an informed decision about your mental health journey.

Understanding Partial Hospitalization Programs

A partial hospitalization program is a vital middle ground between inpatient hospitalization and traditional outpatient therapy [1]. PHPs provide intensive, structured treatment similar to what you might receive in a residential setting but with the flexibility to return home each evening.

Key Features of PHP Treatment

Intensive Structure: Clients typically attend treatment 5-6 hours per day, 5 days per week
Comprehensive Care: Combines individual therapy, group therapy, and specialized treatment modalities
Medical Oversight: Regular access to psychiatric care and medication management
Therapeutic Community: Supportive peer environment with others on similar healing journeys
Skill Development: Focused on building practical coping and life skills for sustainable recovery

At Monima Wellness, our PHP provides over 30 hours of weekly treatment, delivered in a structured and supportive environment designed specifically for women’s unique mental health needs. This level of care offers the intensity needed for significant progress while allowing for a gradual transition back to daily life.

How PHP Differs from Other Levels of Care

Understanding where PHP fits within the continuum of care can help clarify whether this treatment option aligns with your needs.

PHP vs. Inpatient Hospitalization

Partial Hospitalization Program	Inpatient Hospitalization
Day treatment with evenings at home or transitional living environment	24/7 residential care
For those who are stable enough to function independently overnight	For those requiring constant supervision and crisis stabilization
Allows maintenance of home/family/work connections	Complete removal from home environment
Typically 5-6 hours per day, 5 days per week	Round-the-clock treatment and monitoring
Focus on therapy, skill-building, and transition planning	Primary focus on stabilization and safety

PHP vs. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Partial Hospitalization Program	Intensive Outpatient Program
25-30+ hours of weekly treatment	9-15 hours of weekly treatment
For those needing comprehensive daily support	For those who can manage with part-time treatment
Usually requires a leave from work/school	Can often be scheduled around work or school
More structured daily schedule	More flexible scheduling options
Higher level of clinical supervision	Moderate level of clinical supervision

As part of Monima’s approach, PHP clients typically engage in five to six hours of treatment daily, five days a week. IOP clients begin with about three hours per day for five days, eventually transitioning to three days per week as they progress.

Who Benefits From A Partial Hospitalization Program?

PHP is designed for individuals who require intensive treatment but don’t need 24-hour supervision. While each person’s situation is unique, specific circumstances make PHP particularly beneficial.

Ideal Candidates for PHP Include:

Individuals with severe mental health conditions experiencing significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other complex mental health issues that require comprehensive care
People transitioning from inpatient treatment who have completed inpatient or residential treatment but still need structured support as they transition back to daily life
Those needing more support than outpatient therapy who find that traditional outpatient therapy (weekly sessions) isn’t providing enough support for their needs
Individuals with dual diagnosis dealing with both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder who require integrated treatment addressing both conditions simultaneously
Patients in crisis with some stabilization experiencing a mental health crisis but stable enough to avoid inpatient hospitalization
Those with strong support systems who have a stable and supportive home environment, allowing them to engage fully in treatment during the day and return home in the evenings
Motivated individuals committed to the recovery process who are willing to engage in therapy, adhere to treatment plans, and actively participate in their healing journey

At Monima Wellness Center, our PHP is specifically designed for women and female-identifying individuals who are ready for treatment that goes beyond essential therapy or psychiatric support. Many clients take a leave of absence from work, school, or daily routines to commit to their healing process fully.

Who Might Not Be A Fit For PHP?

Not everyone is an appropriate candidate for a partial hospitalization program. PHP may not be suitable for:

Individuals requiring 24/7 supervision who are at immediate risk of harming themselves or others or who require constant medical or psychiatric supervision
People struggling with severe substance use who require detox or more long-term supervision to maintain sobriety and safety

If you’re unsure whether PHP is the right level of care for you or your loved one, Monima’s clinical team can conduct a thorough assessment to help determine the most appropriate treatment option.

The Monima Wellness PHP Experience

At Monima Wellness Center, our San Diego Partial Hospitalization Program is thoughtfully designed to provide women and female-identifying individuals with a comprehensive and immersive treatment experience. Our program stands out through its gender-specific approach, trauma-informed care, and integration of evidence-based and holistic healing modalities. Our program components include:

1. Neuropsychological Assessment

Your journey begins with thorough initial neuropsychological testing conducted by our experienced clinical team. This assessment allows us to understand your mental health history, current challenges, and personal goals, enabling us to craft a personalized treatment plan addressing your unique needs and diagnoses.

2. Structured Daily Schedule

Our PHP provides over 30 hours of treatment each week in a structured and supportive environment. You’ll participate in therapy five to six hours a day, five days a week, including:

Group Therapy: Sessions covering trauma recovery, emotional regulation, relationship building, and other essential topics
Individual Therapy: Regular one-on-one sessions with a dedicated therapist
Holistic and Experiential Therapies: Including yoga, mindfulness practices, acupuncture, EMDR, and more

3. Evidence-Based & Holistic Approaches

Our interdisciplinary approach combines both traditional and alternative practices:

Traditional Therapies: CBT, DBT, EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy
Holistic Modalities: Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Breathwork, Sound Healing, Reiki
Body-Based Approaches: Trauma-informed yoga, dance therapy, somatic experience therapy

4. Optional Supportive Housing

Monima partners with Ohana Recovery Residences to provide optional transitional housing and a sense of community for clients who benefit from a supportive living environment during treatment.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Typical Length of a PHP Program

The duration of a partial hospitalization program varies based on individual needs, treatment progress, and specific mental health concerns. While each person’s journey is unique, some general timeframes should be considered.

1. Average Program Length

Most PHP programs, including Monima’s, typically range from 2 to 8 weeks. However, the exact length depends on several factors:

Severity of symptoms: More complex or severe conditions may require more extended treatment periods
Individual progress: Some individuals respond more quickly to treatment than others
Treatment goals: More extensive goals may necessitate more extended participation
Insurance coverage: Available benefits can influence program length
Transition planning: The time needed to establish appropriate aftercare supports

2. The Treatment Timeline

At Monima Wellness, we take a personalized approach to determine the appropriate length of treatment:

Initial assessment phase (1-2 weeks): Comprehensive evaluation and establishment of treatment goals
Intensive treatment phase (varies): Core therapeutic work addressing primary mental health concerns
Transition planning phase (1-2 weeks): Preparation for step-down care and reintegration into daily life

Our clinical team continuously assesses progress throughout this process and adjusts treatment plans accordingly. The goal is to provide the right amount of care—enough to create meaningful change but not so much that it creates dependency on the treatment environment.

3. Stepping Down from PHP

As clients make progress in the PHP, they often transition to less intensive levels of care:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Many clients step down to Monima’s IOP, which provides 9-15 hours of weekly therapeutic engagement
Outpatient Program: Also referred to as aftercare, our outpatient program includes regularly scheduled group and individual therapy sessions for clients transitioning out of PHP and IOP at Monima Wellness
Alumni & Community: Alumni groups and community support resources

Verify Insurance

Let us help you verify that your or your love one’s insurance provider can provide financial assistance.

Understanding the Cost of PHP Treatment

Navigating the financial aspects of mental health treatment can seem daunting, but understanding the basics can help make the process more manageable.

1. Factors Affecting PHP Costs

Several factors influence the cost of participating in a partial hospitalization program:

Treatment duration: Longer programs naturally involve higher total costs
Program components: Specialized therapies or medical services may affect pricing
Geographic location: Treatment costs vary by region
Facility type: Private vs. public facilities often have different fee structures

2. Insurance Coverage for PHP

Most health insurance plans recognize PHP as a medically necessary level of care for certain mental health conditions. Typically, insurance may cover a significant portion of treatment costs when:

The level of care is deemed medically necessary
The facility is in-network with your insurance provider
Prior authorization requirements are met
Coverage limits haven’t been exceeded

However, coverage varies widely between insurance providers and specific plans. Some considerations include:

Deductibles: Amount you must pay before insurance begins covering costs
Co-pays or co-insurance: Your portion of the expenses after insurance
Out-of-pocket maximums: The most you’ll have to pay in a coverage period
Coverage limitations: Restrictions on number of days or specific services covered

3. Verifying Your Benefits

At Monima Wellness, we understand that financial concerns shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving quality mental health care. Our admissions team can help:

Verify your insurance benefits before beginning treatment
Explain your coverage details in clear, understandable terms
Discuss financial options if needed

To verify your insurance coverage for our PHP program, please visit our insurance verification page or call our admissions team at (858) 500-1542. They can provide personalized guidance regarding coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Success and Outcomes in PHP Treatment

Effective partial hospitalization programs like Monima’s produce meaningful results for clients [2]. While individual experiences vary, we’ve seen firsthand how completion of our treatment continuum, including PHP, typically leads to:

Symptom reduction: Decreased severity of mental health symptoms
Improved coping skills: Enhanced ability to manage stress and emotional challenges
Better relationship functioning: Healthier communication and boundary-setting skills
Increased self-awareness: Greater understanding of triggers and patterns
Reduced need for higher levels of care: Lower rates of hospitalization or crisis interventions
Improved quality of life: Enhanced ability to engage in meaningful activities and relationships

Signs It May Be Time to Consider PHP

Current outpatient therapy isn’t providing enough support
Mental health symptoms are significantly impacting daily functioning
You’re transitioning from inpatient care but don’t feel ready for less intensive treatment
You’re experiencing a mental health crisis but don’t require 24/7 supervision
You need a higher level of care but want to maintain some connection to home life

How to Get Started at Monima Wellness

Reach out: Call our admissions team at (858) 500-1542 or request that we contact you
Initial assessment: Complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine if PHP is the right fit
Insurance verification: Our team will help verify your coverage and explain any costs
Program introduction: Learn about what to expect and prepare for your first day
Begin your healing journey: Join our supportive community of women committed to growth and recovery

At Monima Wellness Center, we understand that taking this step can feel overwhelming.

Our compassionate team is here to guide you through each phase of the admissions process, answering questions and addressing concerns.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

Taking the first step toward recovery is an act of courage. At Monima Wellness, our women-centered PHP provides the structured support, expert care, and healing community you need to transform your life. Don’t wait to reclaim your mental wellbeing—our compassionate team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.

References

[1] Khawaja, I. S., & Westermeyer, J. J. (2010). Providing Crisis-oriented and Recovery-based Treatment in Partial Hospitalization Programs. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), 7(2), 28–31.

[2] Schene, A. H., & Gersons, B. P. (1986). Effectiveness and application of partial hospitalization. Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica, 74(4), 335–340. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1986.tb06251.x

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?