Are you struggling with your mental health but aren’t sure what kind of help you need? You’re not alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your healing journey or just not getting the support you need, there is a next step.
It’s called a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and it may just be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.
Let’s break down what a PHP is, how to know if it’s right for you and what to look for when choosing the best fit for your mental health goals.
What exactly is a PHP?
You may be familiar with traditional therapy or even Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), but a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a distinct level of care. It’s a structured mental health treatment program that offers extensive daytime support while letting you return home each evening to sleep in your own bed.
A PHP may also be referred to as a Day Treatment Program. It’s designed for people who need more intensive support than weekly traditional outpatient therapy can provide, but they don’t need 24/7 inpatient hospitalization. You get intense behavioral and medical treatment during the day, but with the bonus of being able to practice your new skills in your everyday life when you go home in the evenings.
In Lightfully’s PHP, you’ll have six to seven hours of sessions on weekdays, individual therapy, psychiatry, group sessions and sometimes even family therapy. A PHP is about giving you the tools and support you need to tackle the hard thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationship challenges you’re facing.
7 signs a PHP may be your next best step on your mental health journey
Deciding if a PHP is the right choice for your needs isn’t about the severity of your condition, but about needing a specific type of support. Here are some signs that a PHP could be a game-changer for your mental health journey if:
Your symptoms are overwhelming, even with regular therapy.
Maybe you’re already seeing a therapist and you’re trying your best, but your anxiety is still through the roof, your depression is keeping you stuck in bed or other mental health struggles are just making it extremely hard to function. If weekly sessions aren’t fully effective, a PHP can offer you a much more intensive boost.
Day-to-day life feels like a constant struggle.
If you’re finding it hard to keep up with school, work or even just basic tasks like personal hygiene or getting out of bed, a PHP may be the right choice. A PHP can help you regain your ability to handle everyday responsibilities.
You’ve been to the hospital for mental health reasons, and you need a step-down plan.
If you’ve recently been in a hospital or crisis unit for your mental health, a PHP can be the perfect next step. It can help you gradually transition back to your daily life while still getting a high level of care, which can help prevent another crisis.
You’re struggling with self-harm or having thoughts of ending your life.
This one is incredibly important. If you’re dealing with these intensely difficult thoughts or behaviors, you need more support than traditional outpatient therapy can usually provide. PHP may be appropriate when suicide risk is moderate and you have a safe home/support system; if risk is acute, inpatient hospitalization is recommended.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 if you’re in danger of harming yourself.
Your mood swings are unpredictable and difficult to manage.
If you’re experiencing severe and unpredictable mood swings that are having a significant impact on your life, and you feel like your current support isn’t enough, especially if you have a condition like bipolar disorder, a PHP can offer you the consistent support and structure to help you feel more emotionally stable.
You need a structured environment but can still manage nights at home.
The beauty of a PHP is that it gives you that intensive, structured support during the day, but you get to return to the comfort of your own home and familiar surroundings each night. This can be incredibly helpful if you have a stable home environment and a supportive family.
You’re ready to commit to a more intensive program.
While PHPs are voluntary, they do require a serious time commitment. You’ll be attending sessions for several hours a day, most weekdays. If you’re ready to put in that focused effort, a PHP can be incredibly rewarding.
What are the benefits of a PHP for your mental health?
If a PHP sounds like it may be a good fit for you, the benefits will sound even better. You can expect things such as:
- Intensive, comprehensive care
- Real-world skill-building
- A supportive community
- Medical and psychiatric support
- Smoother transitions
- Personalized treatment
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, a PHP can help you get back on track with support, structure and heart.
Ready to take that next step? Lightfully Behavioral Health is here to help
At Lightfully, our deeply compassionate experts strive to see the whole person behind the diagnosis, understanding your unique experiences and working with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that truly meets your needs. We use our Precision Care Model, which is composed of the most effective components of evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Our PHP isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about helping you heal, grow and feel seen. We bring together whole-person-centered care, structured support and real-life skills to help you get back to living fully and authentically. Your mental health journey matters, and so do you.
Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admission Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.