Partial hospitalization in Dallas: how a day program works

What partial hospitalization means

The name can confuse people. You do not stay overnight, and you may not be in a hospital at all. Some programs run in hospitals, and others run in clinics or treatment centers.

SAMHSA’s national survey of treatment programs counts day treatment or partial hospitalization as 20 or more hours of care a week. Programs set their own schedules, so ask how many hours and days each one requires.

What a day may look like

A day often includes group therapy, one-on-one counseling and time to learn skills for handling cravings and stress. A craving is a strong urge to use. Some programs also have a doctor or nurse who can check your health and manage medication. If you take medication for addiction or mental health, ask how the program handles it.

Because you go home at night, you practice what you learn in real life. That can help, and it can be hard. If home is not a steady place right now, ask about sober living or residential treatment.

Evenings and weekends can be the hardest times for some people, so it helps to have a plan for them. That might be a support group, a family member who knows what is going on, or a sober friend you can call. Ask the program to help you build that plan early on.

How it compares with other care

A PHP sits between live-in care and outpatient care. NIAAA groups intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization together as coordinated outpatient care for complex needs. The main difference between the two is usually the hours. Intensive outpatient takes less of your week, which can make it easier to fit around work.

Many people use a PHP as a step down after detox or residential care. Others start here if a doctor or counselor thinks live-in care is more than they need. When the program ends, most people move to fewer hours rather than stopping care all at once. Ask each program what that next step looks like. Think about travel as well, because you would be going to the program on most days.