A PHP typically lasts for several hours a day, about 3-5 times per week. This may vary based on the facility itself and what a patient needs. As for duration, partial hospitalization programs usually last a month (more or less). Duration can depend highly on the person and their treatment needs. Our aftercare program is essential for people who want to continue receiving guidance after treatment to stay on the path to recovery.

After completing PHP treatment, the typical next step is to step down to a less intensive level of care, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), to continue building on the foundational skills learned while gradually increasing independence. This structured step-down approach is crucial for maintaining recovery momentum and often includes transitioning to standard outpatient therapy, joining alumni support groups, and developing a robust aftercare plan to manage the transition back to everyday life.

The primary difference between a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is the required level of care and time commitment, with a PHP providing more intensive, structured, and medically supervised treatment often resembling a full-time day program, while an IOP involves fewer weekly hours and offers greater flexibility for reintegration into daily life. A PHP typically requires attendance for five to seven hours per day, up to five days a week, and includes comprehensive services like medication management and multiple daily therapy sessions, whereas an IOP usually demands a commitment of three hours per day for three to five days a week, focusing more on group and individual counseling with less medical oversight.

The cost of a PHP can vary significantly,  with the total expense depending on factors such as the specific facility, its location, the duration of the program, and the types of therapies included. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we’re dedicated to making addiction and mental health treatment accessible to all who need it. Our admissions team can assist you in verifying your insurance coverage for PHP and reviewing payment options.

Patients likely will need to adjust their work, school, or family schedule to attend a PHP, but the flexibility this program offers allows individuals to still maintain some outside responsibilities. However, some patients prefer to take vacation time from these responsibilities to focus on healing. Speak to your care provider or our admissions team to discuss treatment scheduling and determine a treatment plan that fits your needs.