What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Addiction Recovery?

When you or someone you love is seeking help for addiction, it can be overwhelming to understand all the treatment options available. There’s detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient care, and everything in between; each level of treatment has its own role in the healing process. One option that bridges the gap between intensive inpatient care and outpatient independence is called a Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP.

The Walker Center's PHP offers a structured, full-time recovery program for individuals who require more than basic outpatient support but don’t need 24/7 residential care. If you’re exploring treatment choices and wondering what PHP is and whether it’s the right fit, read on to find out if it’s right for you.

Where PHP Fits on the Recovery Journey

Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. People begin treatment at different stages, with different needs and goals. At The Walker Center, the treatment journey is often visualized as a continuum: starting with detoxification and residential treatment, then transitioning to PHP, followed by intensive outpatient and continuing care.

PHP falls in the middle. It’s an excellent option for those who have completed inpatient or residential treatment and still need substantial support, or for those who don’t need to begin with inpatient care but require more structure than outpatient counseling. PHP is a flexible yet intensive solution that helps clients maintain momentum in their recovery without requiring full-time immersion in 24-hour care.

What to Expect in The Walker Center’s PHP

The Walker Center’s Partial Hospitalization Program is a highly structured, full-time recovery program. Clients participate in 20 to 30 hours of treatment per week, typically spread across five days. The program typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks, but its duration is tailored to each individual's unique needs and progress.

During PHP, participants take part in a variety of therapeutic activities, including:

  • Group therapy to build peer support and process experiences

  • Individual counseling for deeper one-on-one work

  • Family therapy and education to address relationship dynamics

  • Life skills and relapse prevention workshops

  • Mental health support for co-occurring disorders

Even though PHP clients return home at the end of the day, their schedule during treatment hours is similar to a full-time job. The intensity of this program creates a safe space for stabilization, confidence-building, and the development of coping strategies, while also practicing them in real-world settings each evening.

Is PHP Right for You or Someone You Love?

PHP is ideal for individuals who need consistent, daily support but are medically stable and can safely live at home or in sober housing. It’s often recommended for:

  • Those transitioning from residential or inpatient treatment

  • People experiencing a relapse and needing a higher level of care than outpatient

  • Clients who need structure and intensive therapy without inpatient care

  • Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges

It can also be a good fit for those with supportive home environments and reliable transportation. Since PHP participants return home each day, external support and safety are essential parts of the equation.

If you’re not sure whether PHP is the right level of care, our clinical team at The Walker Center can help assess your needs and guide you to the best starting point.

Why Choose The Walker Center’s Partial Hospitalization Program?

At The Walker Center, our PHP is rooted in compassion, clinical excellence, and a belief in long-term recovery. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Experienced staff: Our licensed counselors and mental health professionals bring deep experience and empathy to every session.

  • Integrated care: We treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders.

  • Full support: From nutrition education to relapse prevention planning, we focus on treating the whole person.

  • Community connection: Clients benefit from a peer-supported, community-driven approach to healing.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

Deciding on a treatment program can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make the decision by yourself. Whether you’re exploring PHP for yourself or someone you care about, The Walker Center is here to answer your questions and walk you through every option.

If you or your loved one could benefit from a structured, full-time program that offers flexibility and real-world application, PHP might be the perfect next step.

Reach out to The Walker Center today. Let us help you take the next step toward a healthier, more hopeful future.