Partial Hospitalization Program | Pathfinder Recovery

Written and reviewed by the leadership team at Pathfinder Recovery, including licensed medical and clinical professionals with over 30 years of experience in addiction and mental health care.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

In today's evolving healthcare landscape, finding the right level of care for mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) can be challenging.

However, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a structured, intensive treatment option that bridges the gap between inpatient hospitalization and standard outpatient care.

At Pathfinder Recovery, we're redefining how a PHP works through our virtual-first approach, breaking down traditional barriers to accessing this vital level of care.

Standard Programming

A typical partial hospitalization program operates five days per week, with treatment that occurs for several hours each day. This structure provides the intensity needed for significant therapeutic progress while allowing participants to maintain connections with their home environment.

A PHP delivers many of the same therapeutic elements found in inpatient settings, such as:

Multiple daily therapy groups.
Individual counseling sessions.
Medication management.
Psychiatric evaluation and monitoring.
Skill-building activities.

At Pathfinder Recovery, our PHP follows this intensive framework while removing geographical barriers through our telehealth delivery model.

Evidence of Success

Research shows that a PHP completely delivered via telehealth can actually produce superior outcomes compared to traditional in-person programs. A telehealth PHP often achieves higher attendance rates (89.5% vs. 84.5%) and lower hospitalization rates (8.9% vs. 16.5%) compared to in-person programs.¹‍

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry showed that a psychoanalytically-oriented partial hospitalization program was superior to standard psychiatric care for patients with borderline personality disorder and other mental health conditions.²

Who Benefits From a PHP?

A partial hospitalization program serves as an ideal treatment option for several distinct groups of individuals.

Understanding who can benefit most from this level of care helps determine if PHP might be right for you or your loved one.

A PHP is often best for those who:

Need to Step Down from Higher Levels of Care

Many clients enter a partial hospitalization program after completing inpatient treatment. This transition allows them to:

Continue receiving intensive therapeutic support.
Practice applying recovery skills in real-world settings.
Gradually increase independence while maintaining clinical oversight.

The structured nature of a PHP provides the perfect balance of support and autonomy during this critical transition period.

Need More Than Standard Outpatient Care

For others, a PHP serves as a more intensive option compared to traditional outpatient services.

This might include:

Individuals experiencing an increase in symptoms.
Those who aren't progressing in less intensive treatment.
People who need more structure to maintain stability.

A partial hospitalization program provides the intensive intervention needed to prevent further deterioration without requiring full hospitalization.

Manage Co-Occurring Disorders

People with dual diagnoses particularly benefit from the comprehensive approach of a partial hospitalization program. Research shows that integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders delivers better outcomes than addressing each condition separately.³‍

At Pathfinder Recovery, our PHP specializes in treating the complex interplay between mental health and substance use disorders. Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based approaches that address both aspects simultaneously.

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Core Components of Our PHP at Pathfinder Recovery

Pathfinder Recovery's virtual PHP delivers comprehensive care that prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing clinical excellence.

Our PHP incorporates several essential elements designed to support lasting recovery, such as:

Individualized Therapy

Every participant in our partial hospitalization program receives personalized one-on-one therapy sessions that are tailored to their needs and symptoms.

These sessions allow for:

Customized treatment planning
Focused work on specific recovery challenges
Private discussion of sensitive issues
Regular assessment of progress

Our clinicians bring decades of combined experience to these individual sessions within our PHP, ensuring each client receives evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.

Therapeutic Group Work

Group therapy forms the backbone of our virtual partial hospitalization program. Daily group sessions can cover:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills development.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques.
Trauma processing and healing.
Relapse prevention strategies.
Interpersonal effectiveness training.

These groups provide both structured learning and peer support, essential elements of any effective PHP. Our virtual format allows us to match clients with groups based on age, gender, and shared experiences, creating more relevant and engaging therapeutic communities.

Medication Management

For clients who would benefit from medication support, our partial hospitalization program includes regular psychiatric consultations to ensure all symptoms are treated appropriately.

Our medical team provides:

Comprehensive evaluations and continuing follow-ups.
Medication prescription and adjustment.
Monitoring for effectiveness and side effects.
Education about medication's role in recovery.

This integration of psychiatric care within our program ensures a truly holistic approach to treatment.

Holistic Wellness Practices

Recovery extends beyond merely addressing physical symptoms. At Pathfinder Recovery, our PHP incorporates evidence-based complementary approaches, which include:

Mindfulness and meditation techniques.
Stress management strategies.
Nutritional guidance specific to recovery.
Sleep hygiene improvement.
Physical activity recommendations and guidance.

These elements help participants in our program develop sustainable wellness practices that support long-term recovery.

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Benefits of PHP in a Virtual Setting

The virtual delivery of a partial hospitalization program offers unique advantages that traditional facility-based programs cannot match.

At Pathfinder Recovery, we've optimized our partial hospitalization program to maximize these benefits.

Expanded Access to Care

Our virtual partial hospitalization program eliminates geographical barriers that often prevent people from accessing appropriate treatment.

This approach:

Serves clients in rural or underserved areas.
Eliminates commuting time and transportation costs.
Makes our PHP accessible to those with mobility limitations.
Allows participation regardless of weather conditions.

This expanded access represents a significant advancement in making intensive mental health and substance use treatment available to all who need it.

Enhanced Continuity of Care

The transition between levels of care often creates vulnerability in the recovery process. Our virtual PHP minimizes these disruptions by:

Allowing clients to maintain the same treatment team throughout their recovery journey.
Eliminating the need to adjust to new physical environments.
Providing consistent care even when a client's location changes.
Facilitating smoother transitions between our partial hospitalization program and other levels of care.

This continuity significantly reduces the risk of relapse during treatment transitions.

Real-World Skill Application

Unlike residential treatment, a PHP allows for immediate application of recovery skills in a client's natural environment.

Our virtual format enhances this benefit by:

Enabling clients to practice coping strategies in the actual settings where they'll need them.
Providing opportunities to address real-life triggers as they occur.
Allowing for family involvement in the recovery process.
Creating a treatment experience that more closely mirrors daily life.

This practical approach increases the transferability of skills learned in our partial hospitalization program to long-term recovery.

Balanced Structure and Flexibility

Our virtual partial hospitalization program maintains the intensive structure needed for effective treatment while offering flexibility that traditional programs cannot.

This way, participants can:

Attend sessions from any private location with internet access.
More easily balance treatment with work, school, or family responsibilities.
Avoid the stigma sometimes associated with visiting a treatment facility.
Participate in the PHP while still maintaining privacy.

This balance makes our PHP accessible to many who would otherwise be unable to commit to intensive treatment.

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How a PHP Compares to Other Levels of Care

Understanding how a partial hospitalization program fits within the broader continuum of care helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Below describes two of the other common options available to clients seeking care:

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 supervision that can provide consistent on-site supervision from medical and mental health professionals.

This care comes from clients residing at a treatment facility for anywhere from 30 to 90 days, as these programs are geared towards serving clients that want more intensive care. Unlike a partial hospitalization program, inpatient treatment is also more expensive due to the residential components.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program differs from inpatient treatment as the level of supervision and duration is significantly lower. In these programs, participants will be at the program for a couple of hours, a few days a week.

This allows patients to build their care schedules around daily activities while still having a moderate level of support from professionals. Intensive outpatient programs are best for those with stronger independent functioning.

When a Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program Is the Best Choice

A partial hospitalization program provides more structure than an intensive outpatient program, but less of a time commitment than inpatient treatment. This makes it the best choice for patients looking for care and support on their terms.

At Pathfinder Recovery, our virtual partial hospitalization program delivers comparable therapeutic intensity to inpatient care while allowing clients to maintain their home connections – often at a lower cost.

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Is a Partial Hospitalization Program Right for You?

Determining whether a PHP is the appropriate level of care involves several important considerations.

At Pathfinder Recovery, we conduct thorough assessments to help make this determination, but here are some general guidelines to consider:

Key Questions to Ask

When considering a PHP, you should consider:

Can your symptoms be managed without 24/7 care?
Do you have a stable and supportive home environment?
Is more therapeutic structure necessary for long-term wellness?

Focusing on these considerations can significantly help determine if PHP offers the right level of support.

Clinical Assessment Importance

While self-assessment provides valuable insight, professional evaluation remains essential. Our clinical team conducts comprehensive assessments that consider:

Symptom severity and stability
Safety concerns and risk factors
Previous treatment history and response
Support system strength
Co-occurring conditions
Functional impairment level

This thorough approach ensures appropriate placement in our PHP or recommendation for alternative care when indicated.

Virtual Assessment Process

At Pathfinder Recovery, we've streamlined the assessment process for our partial hospitalization program through secure telehealth technology.

This allows us to:

Conduct evaluations from the comfort of your home.
Include family members in the assessment when appropriate.
Gather comprehensive information without travel burden.
Begin treatment quickly once a PHP is deemed appropriate.

Our virtual assessment maintains clinical rigor while maximizing convenience and accessibility.

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The Effectiveness of Partial Hospitalization Programs

Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of a partial hospitalization program for various conditions.

Evidence-Based Outcomes

Several studies show impressive results about the efficacy of a partial hospitalization program, including:

Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry demonstrated that a PHP was superior to standard psychiatric care for many patients, showing improvements in depression, suicidal behaviors, and social functioning.⁴
Studies indicate that a partial hospitalization program can effectively reduce the need for inpatient admissions.⁵
Research shows that 74.3% of patients in a virtual PHP reported improvement in their condition.⁶‍

These findings align with our experience at Pathfinder Recovery, where our partial hospitalization program consistently produces positive outcomes for our clients.

Begin Your Journey with Pathfinder Recovery's PHP

Taking the first step toward recovery often feels overwhelming. At Pathfinder Recovery, we've designed our partial hospitalization program to make this process as accessible and supportive as possible.

Personalized Recovery Pathways

We recognize that each person's journey is unique—and because of that, our PHP offers personalized, culturally-competent treatment. This personalized approach ensures that our partial hospitalization program addresses your specific challenges and goals.

Compassionate, Expert Support

Our program is delivered by a team of experienced, licensed professionals who bring both expertise and empathy to their work.

Our staff includes:

Licensed therapists specialized in mental health and addiction
Board-certified psychiatrists
Certified addiction counselors
Peer recovery coaches with lived experience

This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care within our partial hospitalization program.

Your Next Steps

If you're considering PHP for yourself or a loved one, Pathfinder Recovery is here to help. Our process begins with a simple, confidential conversation to understand your needs and determine if our partial hospitalization program is the right fit.

At Pathfinder Recovery, we believe that healing begins within – starting with the individual, extending into the home, and ultimately transforming our communities. Our program embodies this philosophy, providing the structure, support, and expertise needed to build a foundation for lasting recovery.

Connect With Us Today

Don't let barriers stand between you and the care you deserve. Start your work with Pathfinder Recovery today.

Your home is our foundation. Your future is our mission. Let’s seize a brighter tomorrow, together.

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The Role of Partial Hospitalization Programs in Recovery

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