Structured, full-day mental health and dual diagnosis treatment — without an overnight stay. Refresh Recovery’s PHP bridges the gap between inpatient care and outpatient therapy.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the highest level of outpatient care available, offering five to six hours of structured therapy per day, five days a week. Sometimes called “day treatment,” PHP delivers the clinical intensity of inpatient care while allowing you to return home each evening.
At Refresh Recovery in San Diego, our PHP is designed for individuals who need more support than a standard outpatient program can provide — but who do not require 24-hour residential supervision. This makes PHP an ideal choice for people transitioning out of inpatient rehab, those experiencing a mental health crisis that doesn’t require hospitalization, or anyone whose symptoms are too severe for weekly therapy alone.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), partial hospitalization programs are a critical component of the behavioral health continuum, providing evidence-based treatment in a less restrictive environment than inpatient care.
5-6 Hours
of structured therapy per day, five days a week
50-75%
lower cost compared to inpatient residential treatment
Dual Diagnosis
integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use
Who Is PHP For?
Our partial hospitalization program in San Diego is designed for individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You are stepping down from inpatient or residential treatment and need continued intensive support
- You are experiencing a mental health crisis — such as severe depression, anxiety, or bipolar episodes — that interferes with daily functioning
- You have a dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder) requiring integrated treatment
- You have tried traditional outpatient therapy but need a higher level of care
- You need clinical structure during the day but have a stable, safe living environment to return to each evening
What Does a Typical Day in PHP Look Like?
A typical day in our partial hospitalization program begins in the morning and runs through early afternoon. Your schedule will include a combination of:
Individual therapy sessions — One-on-one work with a licensed clinician who specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, using evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Group therapy — Peer-supported sessions focusing on relapse prevention, coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Research published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) consistently shows that group therapy improves outcomes for people with co-occurring disorders.
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management — Our psychiatrists monitor your medications and adjust treatment plans as needed, ensuring that both mental health symptoms and substance use cravings are addressed.
Psychoeducation workshops — Learn about the neuroscience of addiction, trauma responses, healthy communication, and strategies for building a recovery-supportive lifestyle.
Mindfulness and holistic practices — Stress reduction techniques, breathwork, and wellness activities that support whole-person healing.
How Is PHP Different from IOP?
The primary difference between a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the number of hours per week. PHP typically requires 25-30 hours of treatment weekly, while IOP involves 9-15 hours.
PHP is appropriate when symptoms are more acute or when a person is transitioning directly from inpatient care. IOP works well as a step-down from PHP or for individuals whose symptoms are manageable but still require structured support beyond weekly therapy.
At Refresh Recovery, many clients progress through both levels of care — starting with PHP and transitioning to IOP as they stabilize and build confidence in their recovery skills.
How Long Does PHP Last?
The length of treatment varies depending on each individual’s needs, but most clients participate in our PHP for 2-6 weeks. Your treatment team continuously evaluates your progress and collaborates with you to determine the right time to step down to a less intensive level of care.
Factors that influence the duration of PHP include the severity of your symptoms, your response to treatment, your support system at home, and whether you have co-occurring conditions that require coordinated care.
Does Insurance Cover Partial Hospitalization?
Yes — most major insurance plans cover partial hospitalization programs, as PHP is recognized as a medically necessary level of care for mental health and substance use treatment. Refresh Recovery and most treatment facilities accept most insurance plans, including PPO, HMO, Medi-Cal, and Medicare.
If you are unsure about your coverage, our admissions team can verify your insurance benefits quickly and confidentially. We work with you to minimize out-of-pocket costs and ensure you can access the care you need.
Why Choose Refresh Recovery for PHP in San Diego?
Refresh Recovery is a California State-approved dual diagnosis treatment center located in San Diego. What sets our PHP apart:
- True dual diagnosis care: We treat mental health conditions and substance use disorders simultaneously — not as separate issues
- Evidence-based modalities: Our clinicians use CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Small group sizes: More individualized attention and deeper therapeutic connections
- Seamless step-down: Transition smoothly from PHP to our intensive outpatient program (IOP) as you progress in recovery
- San Diego location: Heal in a supportive community with access to San Diego’s restorative natural environment
Start Your Recovery Today
Take the first step toward healing. Contact Refresh Recovery to learn more about our partial hospitalization program in San Diego.
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