What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for Addiction?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured, intensive form of addiction treatment that serves as a middle ground between inpatient rehabilitation and standard outpatient therapy. Often referred to as “day treatment,” PHP involves clinical services provided several hours per day, typically five to seven days a week, while allowing participants to return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings.

PHP is designed to address both the medical and psychological aspects of substance use disorders, offering a high level of care without requiring overnight stays. It typically includes individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, health education, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions, making it particularly useful for those with dual diagnosis needs.

As a form of step-down care, PHP is ideal for individuals who have completed a residential program but still need structured support to stabilize recovery. It’s also a suitable entry point for those who require more than traditional outpatient care but are not in need of 24/7 supervision. In the continuum of care, PHP is viewed as a crucial transitional stage, offering flexibility and continued accountability as people work toward lasting sobriety—especially in diverse metropolitan areas like Los Angeles where multiple recovery resources are available.

Who Benefits Most from PHP Treatment?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Los Angeles can be a strong fit if you’re seeking intensive therapy without the need for 24-hour inpatient care. This level of care often serves as a transition for individuals stepping down from residential treatment, or as an alternative to inpatient care for those with a stable living environment. PHPs provide structured support while allowing you to return home each day, making them ideal if you’re balancing recovery with family responsibilities or work flexibility.

People who benefit most from PHP often experience moderate to severe symptoms of substance use disorder and may also be managing co-occurring mental health conditions—a situation often referred to as dual diagnosis. These programs are designed to help stabilize emotional and behavioral health through consistent, evidence-based care, including group sessions, one-on-one counseling, and psychiatric support.

If you’ve completed detox or are coming from a hospital setting and still need daily clinical care without overnight supervision, PHP offers the right intensity. It provides ongoing structure, accountability, and the therapeutic engagement needed to solidify early recovery skills while progressing toward long-term wellbeing.

Services Offered in a Typical PHP Program

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) for addiction in Los Angeles provide a structured approach to recovery that blends the intensity of inpatient care with the flexibility of outpatient treatment. These day treatment models typically run five to seven days per week and offer multifaceted support to individuals stepping down from residential care or needing more than weekly outpatient sessions. PHP treatment is designed to address both substance use and co-occurring behavioral health conditions through evidence-based therapies and medical oversight.

A typical PHP schedule includes multiple therapy modalities each day, overseen by licensed clinicians and addiction specialists. Patients participate in one-on-one therapy, group counseling, educational workshops, and skill-building sessions. Case management and relapse prevention planning are also staples of the program, helping individuals maintain focus on long-term recovery and lifestyle change. Many Los Angeles PHPs also offer dual diagnosis treatment for those managing both addiction and mental health concerns simultaneously.

Using CBT in PHP Programs in LA

Cognitive therapy in addiction care is a foundational element in most PHP programs. This therapy helps you examine and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to substance use. During daily CBT sessions, therapists guide clients through exercises focused on developing healthier responses to stressors, cravings, and emotional triggers. In a PHP setting, CBT is often delivered through both individual and group formats to reinforce learning and reflection throughout the day.

DBT Strategies in PHP for Los Angeles Clients

DBT skills for addiction recovery are commonly used in Los Angeles PHPs to bolster emotional regulation, especially for individuals experiencing intense mood swings or impulsive behaviors. DBT sessions in PHP offer skills training across four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. With structured group formats and individualized DBT coaching, clients strengthen their ability to cope with overwhelming feelings without turning to substances.

Medication Support as Part of PHP in LA

Medication support is integrated as needed into many PHPs for individuals who benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or psychiatric medication management. Medical providers closely monitor prescriptions, adjusting dosages and evaluating effectiveness in coordination with the therapeutic team. This balanced care model ensures that chemical dependency and mental health needs are both addressed for sustained stability and progress in recovery.

Weekly PHP Schedules: What to Expect

A typical week in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for addiction in Los Angeles follows a structured yet supportive routine designed to promote healing while maintaining personal responsibilities outside of treatment. Most programs run five to six days per week, with daily sessions lasting about six hours. These sessions usually occur during daytime hours, often from around 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing evenings for family time, rest, or sober activities.

Each day includes a variety of therapeutic components such as individual counseling, group therapy, skill-building classes, and behavioral health education. Many programs also include medication management and holistic offerings like meditation, expressive arts, or physical wellness sessions. Because PHP balances intensity with some independence, it’s commonly used as transitional treatment between inpatient care and a lower-intensity outpatient program.

Weekly schedules often follow consistent themes—for example, Monday might emphasize relapse prevention, while Friday could focus on self-reflection and progress review. Regular assessments ensure that care stays aligned with a person’s evolving recovery needs. This predictable yet adaptable rhythm helps reinforce healthy habits and supports lasting recovery while slowly reintegrating into everyday life.

How PHP Differs from IOP in LA

When exploring addiction treatment options in Los Angeles, it’s common to compare Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). Both are structured outpatient program levels that avoid overnight stays, but they differ in intensity, time commitment, and clinical services provided.

PHP typically involves five to six hours of treatment per day, five days a week. This level of care is ideal for individuals who need daily medical monitoring or are stepping down from residential care. Conversely, IOP usually involves nine to 15 treatment hours spread across three to five days a week, allowing more flexibility for work, school, or family responsibilities.

To better explore IOP options in LA, it’s helpful to understand how these outpatient levels compare in structure and support.

PHP emphasizes stabilization, including medication management, case coordination, and multiple therapeutic modalities each day. IOP is better suited for those in later stages of recovery who still benefit from structured therapy but require less clinical oversight. Understanding these differences can help you or a loved one find the right path to sustained recovery in the LA area.

Transitioning from Inpatient to PHP in Los Angeles

When inpatient rehab or medical detox concludes, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) in Los Angeles can provide a vital bridge in the recovery journey. PHP offers structured day treatment while allowing participants to return home or stay in supportive housing at night. This step-down approach is designed to ease the shift from 24/7 supervised care to increased personal responsibility, without eliminating needed support.

Transitioning to PHP typically begins during your discharge planning process. A care team evaluates your physical and mental health progress, substance use history, and home environment to determine the right time and setting for continued treatment. PHPs in Los Angeles support behavioral health needs, dual diagnosis cases, and emotional stabilization through intensive therapy while respecting the individual’s growing independence.

This model helps minimize the risk of relapse while fostering confidence in applying new coping skills in everyday life. Whether you’re leaving residential treatment or medical detox, stepping into a Los Angeles PHP signals a major milestone: moving forward with structure, accountability, and compassionate continuity of care.

When to Step Down from PHP to Outpatient

Knowing when to move from a partial hospitalization program (PHP) to an outpatient program is an important part of the recovery process. This transition typically occurs when you are showing greater emotional stability, maintaining progress with your treatment goals, and are able to manage daily responsibilities with less supervision. You may also notice a reduced need for intensive therapy sessions while still needing ongoing support.

Outpatient treatment acts as a continuation of care, offering therapy and group sessions on a more flexible schedule. Many people make this shift as part of a wider step-down plan that provides structure while easing into more independent living. A team of behavioral health professionals usually evaluates readiness based on symptoms, progress in therapy, and your personal circumstances. The goal is to match your growing stability with a supportive but less intensive next level of care.

PHP for Drug Addiction in Los Angeles

For individuals in Los Angeles coping with substance use disorders—including opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and alcohol—partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) offer a structured yet flexible recovery approach. These intensive day treatment programs bridge the gap between inpatient hospital care and lower levels of outpatient support, providing clinical supervision during the day and the ability to return home in the evenings.

To better understand drug PHP options, Los Angeles rehab programs typically integrate evidence-based psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management for cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and peer group sessions that focus on relapse prevention and emotional regulation. Especially helpful for those with moderate-to-severe addiction or a dual diagnosis, PHPs help stabilize behavior and reduce risks while building recovery skills in a real-world setting. This makes them ideal for people needing focused daily care without full-time residential admission, offering a critical step in the continuum of addiction treatment.

Cost of Partial Hospitalization in LA

The cost of a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Los Angeles generally ranges from $350 to $900 per day, depending on several factors. The total cost will vary based on the length of your stay, the facility’s location, the level of medical oversight, and whether amenities like private therapy, medication management, or dual diagnosis treatment are included. Programs offering specialized care or luxury settings typically price higher than more traditional clinical environments.

Many people use health insurance to offset PHP costs. Providers often work with major insurers, and benefits for behavioral health or day treatment can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Before enrolling, it’s wise to review your insurance coverage and ask specific questions about deductible amounts, co-pays, and preauthorization requirements.

Does Cigna Cover PHP in Los Angeles?

If you hold a Cigna health plan, you may be eligible for partial or full coverage of PHP services in Los Angeles. Eligibility typically depends on your specific plan and medical necessity requirements. It’s helpful to check Cigna PHP coverage directly or through a treatment center that can verify your benefits and pre-authorization needs.

Blue Cross PHP Coverage in Los Angeles

Blue Cross Blue Shield often includes partial hospitalization services as part of its behavioral health coverage in California. If you’re enrolled in a local Blue Cross plan, your benefits may cover much of the cost for PHP, especially with in-network providers. You can find detailed Blue Cross PHP coverage info by checking your plan’s PHP guidelines and co-pay structures, which can give you peace of mind as you plan your recovery path.

Enrolling in a PHP in Greater Los Angeles

Taking the first step toward a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for addiction in Los Angeles often begins with a phone call or online inquiry. Reputable programs typically start with a pre-intake screening to understand your immediate needs, followed by a more comprehensive assessment by licensed behavioral health professionals. This evaluation addresses factors like substance use history, mental health status, prior treatment, and support systems—key components of any effective dual diagnosis or transitional treatment plan.

Intake coordinators will also review your insurance coverage, available financial options, and scheduling preferences to help plan your entry into care. Many PHP Los Angeles providers offer quick-start timelines, sometimes initiating treatment within 24 to 72 hours of assessment. From there, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that outlines intensive therapy, group sessions, and any needed psychiatric or medical support.

If you’re ready for day treatment but aren’t sure where to begin, Los Angeles offers several reputable rehab options that can guide you through enrollment and reduce wait times for care.

Comparing PHP Providers in Los Angeles

Choosing the right addiction Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Los Angeles involves more than location or cost—it’s about finding the best fit for your clinical needs and personal values. Local programs vary widely in focus and quality, so it’s important to consider several key factors when comparing options.

Start by reviewing each provider’s clinical specialties. Some PHPs are equipped for dual diagnosis care, which is essential if you’re managing both addiction and mental health conditions. Others may focus more on trauma-informed care or specific age groups. Review the medical and therapeutic staff credentials to ensure qualified professionals oversee your treatment.

Also assess cultural alignment, including language support, spiritual integration, or LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Whether you need intensive therapy for substance use or transitional treatment from an inpatient setting, the right program should reflect not just your clinical goals but also your background, identity, and recovery values. Personal fit can make a real difference in long-term outcomes as you move toward outpatient care.

Soft Guidance: Explore Local PHP Placement Support

Choosing the right addiction partial hospitalization program in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this process. Whether you’re stepping down from residential treatment or seeking intensive day support, exploring providers that align with your clinical needs, daily schedule, and recovery goals is a key next step.

Many Los Angeles rehab options offer structured PHP services, accommodating diverse paths—from dual diagnosis support to transitional treatment and behavioral health interventions. Taking time now to understand what each program provides can help you enter care feeling informed and supported.

When you’re ready, explore nearby programs that fit your lifestyle and offer the care level you deserve.