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. Specifically, PHP provides 5 to 6 hours of structured clinical programming, five days per week. As a result, it offers the depth of an inpatient setting — without the overnight stay.
PHP is designed for people whose symptoms need significant clinical attention but who are stable enough to live at home. For example, it works well as a step-down from residential care or as a step-up from weekly therapy.
Most major insurance plans cover PHP, and our admissions team handles the verification for you. In short, you get intensive support, structured days, and the chance to keep practicing skills in real life — all without putting your housing or family responsibilities on hold.
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 PHP runs from morning through early afternoon. Your schedule blends individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric medication management, and skills-based programming. Specifically, you can expect modalities like CBT, DBT skills, mindfulness, and trauma-focused care.
What makes our PHP different? Two things. First, every modality is evidence-based. Second, the schedule respects your real life. As a result, you have time after programming for family, recovery meetings, or rest — depending on what you need.
Lunch is included. Most clients describe the rhythm as “structured but humane.” In other words, you are not on a clock you cannot control — you are on a treatment plan built around your needs.
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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