Partial Hospitalization Program

Partial Hospitalization Program - BRC Recovery

Seeking a partial hospitalization program could be a great alternative for addiction reatment. PHP treatment serves as a step down from inpatient treatment but still offers evidence-based therapies and practices. This might be an affordable option for those looking for treatment. Within Travis County, there’s a rise in K2 (synthetic marijuana), cocaine, and heroin use among the residents. It should be noted that partial hospitalization programs are not meant to replace inpatient treatment programs.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program? How Does PHP Handle Addiction?

Partial hospitalization programs are designed to be an intensive outpatient treatment for those seeking mental health services or addiction rehabilitation. A patient can expect to be treated for four to six hours in a five-day window. The treatment usually lasts up to six weeks. PHP treatment has similarities to IOPs (Intensive Outpatient Programs), in which patients receive quality structured care. Partial hospitalization programs utilize evidence-based practices through an innovative system.

A patient receiving PHP treatment could anticipate a series of therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, support groups, and even art or music therapy. Partial hospitalization programs are often called day programs. Partial hospitalization programs are typically extensions of a designated hospital. Many therapies offered in the inpatient/outpatient treatment programs are administered in PHP treatments.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

php austin

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is designed to help a patient address substance use or mental health disorders through the awareness of negative thought patterns. Its effectiveness is measured by quickly identifying challenges through fewer therapy sessions. For example, if you’re struggling with neglect and emotional issues from childhood, cognitive behavioral therapy will work to alleviate the symptoms. Depending on the severity of these issues, medication treatment might be an available option. CBT functions to empower the patient to recognize harmful behavior or thoughts and replace them with nourishing coping mechanisms.

CBT therapy has two main components, best described as cognitive strategies and behavioral intervention. Through cognitive strategies, a patient can expect to reflect on their thought patterns that directly influence their symptoms (Ex. Hopelessness, anxiety). Behavioral intervention is utilized to modify these thoughts and behaviors through a specialist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy requires trust and honesty between the patient and therapist.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a welcoming format for those who are seeking treatment for the first time or have gone through recovery but seek to support the community. A patient should anticipate meeting every week for one- to two-hour sessions, addressing many topics. Group therapy is typically spearheaded by one or more therapists in a controlled group setting. These group therapy sessions could last up to a year or more but it’s commonly recommended for at least 6 sessions.

Outpatient treatment programs often use this practice because it’s accessible and the socialization component can help build relationships. Group therapy aims to grant the members a sense of self-confidence through role-playing and practicing life skills for their next journey. Some patients might not feel comfortable expressing themselves in group therapy, but individual therapy is available. Not all groups are created the same: some are open and some are closed.

Psychoeducational group therapy can take the form of a lecture, where the therapist teaches the members coping skills. Therapists will set expectations through tutoring, goal setting, management, and parenting techniques. Process-oriented group therapy highlights the members while the therapist serves as “fly in the wall” to provide guidance. The experiences of the members are what make the therapy effective, enabling true bonding through education like CBT.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, is noted for being effective in addiction treatment. DBT hones in on managing emotional and social challenges within addiction treatment such as unstable emotions. The founder of DBT, Dr. Martha Linehan, designed the treatment through the integration of science and philosophy. Dialectical behavior therapy is structured by acceptance and change; filtered by individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and consultation groups.

The strength of DBT relies on the concept of distress tolerance. For example, in the event you were in the middle of a high-stress situation, training through DBT would allow an individual to avoid reacting impulsively. By enhancing emotional awareness, this coping skill allows the individual to focus on emotional regulation and navigate triggering dilemmas. This is particularly effective for those struggling with substance use disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. Dialectical behavioral therapy has stages that begin treating the most destructive behaviors, transitioning into improving relationships overall.

Who Would Benefit Most from Partial Hospitalization Programs as Opposed to Other Types of Treatment?

Partial hospitalization programs are great for anyone who has a solid support system and home. PHP treatment is less than inpatient treatment programs, while outpatient programs are typically the least expensive but might lack in services. However, partial hospitalization programs can be used to transition back into the world after an inpatient residence.

Let’s say you’re ready for treatment after an intervention for a severe addiction to oxycodone, caused by a back injury two years prior. The only problem is that you need to work and you can’t leave your 7-year old behind. The cost of treatment is often the determining reason behind someone neglecting their recovery. This is where a PHP in Austin would be beneficial.

In contrast, inpatient treatment programs are designed for the patient to receive exceptional care through 24/7 medically monitored therapies. This prevents the patient from struggling with the triggers of the outside world that might cause a relapse. The patient must remain in the residence to receive treatment. Inpatient treatment programs are best suited for those with severe cases of addiction or other medical conditions that might worsen. However, it’s important to remember that inpatient treatment programs can be costly.

Outpatient treatment programs are structured around weekly sessions that provide some of the structured practices of an inpatient treatment program. Since every case of addiction varies, this could serve as a solution for those who might not have the ability to remain in a residence for treatment. Intensive outpatient treatment programs are an option that provides more comprehensive care for patients. This allows them the freedom to work and spend time with family in a discreet fashion. IOPs emphasize personal responsibility for the patients to maintain their recovery and spend time with their support system.

What Are the Benefits of PHPs?

Partial hospitalization programs are crafted to help the patient understand their addiction, along with underlying mental health conditions. Co-occurring disorders are a persistent theme in addiction treatment, and to target each specific need will boost the results. However, if you have previously relapsed or have suffered from abuse, PHP treatment might not suit the scope of your needs.

Partial hospitalization programs could be beneficial for those who:

  • Struggle with destructive or aggressive behavior
  • Have overwhelming symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts and depression
  • Experienced personal or emotional crises, typically within the family unit

Mental health patients benefit from the structure. Adolescent partial hospitalization programs are available. These programs are meant for individuals ages 13-17 to be involved in the community but need more extensive treatment. Setting goals, building fact-based knowledge, and developing healthier coping skills are the main components. This allows adolescents to operate in an open support system and to heal their behavioral health disorders.


The structure of PHP treatment is vital to its effectiveness. Partial hospitalization is meant to support the techniques learned from an inpatient treatment program. A patient within partial hospitalization could expect to be involved in individual and group therapies. PHP treatments provide flexibility to address unresolved issues. By maintaining discipline and scheduled activities, it enables the patient to reconstruct their life through abstinence. Boredom is one of the key factors involved in relapses after a patient receives treatment. 


The treatment within a partial hospitalization program offers the benefit of intensive care one would receive at an inpatient residence. Medication is available for those with more intense conditions. The more time spent engaged in these therapies, the higher the success rate for such outcomes. The outpatient treatment component of PHP treatment makes the daily sessions more accessible. PHP treatments equip the patients with life skills to practice in the real world.


Building a support system during recovery is an integral part of the process. It helps to find someone to connect to within the group therapy sessions to build trust and transparency. Sharing your story and personal issues can be liberating. By engaging with others on the same path, it would provide great tools to practice outside of the partial hospitalization program. This war does not have to be fought alone.


Through education, a patient could explore the various elements that form an addictive behavior. Whether it’s a highly addictive substance or sex, the brain creates pathways for stimuli that are pleasurable. A patient in PHP treatment would be given classes that address substance abuse statistics, handling depression, and alternative therapies after completion. Medication management is sometimes offered to help ease the symptoms that come with addiction such as withdrawals and long-term health issues.

Find Help With BRC Recovery

Addiction can bring a tsunami of obstacles and painful decisions. BRC Recovery works to guide anyone struggling with addiction to the path of a healthier lifestyle. In Austin, BRC Recovery staff are waiting for the opportunity to be your or your loved ones’ support. Reach out to us today.