Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs offer structured day treatment for adults with co-occurring disorders, combining therapy, psychiatric support, and peer connection while you maintain much of your daily routine. Whether you’re transitioning from inpatient care or stepping up from weekly therapy, understanding each level of care can help you choose the right path for lasting recovery. In this guide, you’ll explore definitions, schedules, therapeutic approaches, and insurance considerations for PHP and IOP for adults with co-occurring disorders.
Understand PHP programs
A partial hospitalization program provides comprehensive care during the day without an overnight stay. PHP bridges the gap between inpatient hospitalization and traditional outpatient therapy, offering intensive support for adults managing simultaneous mental health and substance use challenges.
Definition of PHP
PHP, sometimes called “day treatment,” delivers a multi-faceted treatment approach in a hospital outpatient department or dedicated facility. You typically attend classes, group therapy, and individual sessions for a minimum of 20 hours per week as prescribed by your care plan. To qualify for Medicare coverage, your plan must indicate at least 20 hours of therapeutic services each week as an alternative to inpatient psychiatric care (Medicare.gov).
Target participants
Partial hospitalization is ideal if you:
- Are at risk of inpatient admission or stepping down from inpatient/residential care
- Experience intensified symptoms such as severe depression, anxiety, or substance use
- Require daily structure and clinical oversight for safety and stabilization
For more on structured day treatment, see our structured day treatment for adults page.
PHP schedule and duration
PHP typically runs Monday through Friday, often from morning until mid-afternoon. A sample week might include:
- 4–6 hours of group therapy per day
- 1–2 individual therapy sessions
- Psychoeducation classes on coping skills and relapse prevention
Programs usually last several weeks, providing enough time to develop coping strategies and practice them in your daily life (Recovered). Explore our php mental health treatment for adults resource for program details.
Explore IOP programs
An intensive outpatient program offers a slightly lower intensity level than PHP while still delivering robust clinical care. IOP allows you to continue work or family responsibilities in the daytime or evenings.
Definition of IOP
IOP requires a minimum of nine hours of group and/or individual therapy per week, often broken into three-hour sessions held three to five evenings a week over 4–6 weeks (Discovery Mood). As the lowest level of care at many centers, IOP supports both new referrals and those stepping down from higher care levels like PHP or residential treatment.
Target participants
IOP is designed for adults who:
- Need more support than weekly outpatient therapy provides
- Are transitioning from residential or partial hospitalization care
- Require structured group and individual therapy but maintain most daily activities
Learn more about our intensive outpatient program for adults.
IOP sessions per week
A typical IOP might include:
- Three-hour group therapy sessions, three to five times per week
- One individual counseling session per week
- Optional family therapy or psychoeducational workshops
Medication management usually happens through your outpatient psychiatrist rather than on-site at the IOP location (Discovery Mood). If you’re addressing trauma or emotional regulation, check our iop therapy for adults with depression or stress page.
Compare PHP and IOP
When weighing partial hospitalization versus intensive outpatient care, consider differences in intensity, structure, and flexibility.
Care intensity and structure
| Feature | PHP | IOP |
|---|---|---|
| Hours per week | ≥ 20 hours | 9–15 hours |
| Days per week | 5 days | 3–5 days |
| Typical duration | Several weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Treatment setting | Hospital outpatient dept or dedicated facility | Outpatient clinic or community center |
Therapeutic approaches
Both levels incorporate evidence-based therapies, but PHP often adds experiential modalities:
- PHP: dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, nursing groups, recreational therapy (Menninger Clinic)
- IOP: CBT, psychoeducation, group therapy, individual counseling
To explore PHP-specific trauma work, see php therapy for trauma and emotional regulation.
Psychiatric involvement
- PHP: On-site psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and crisis intervention
- IOP: You coordinate medication through your outpatient psychiatrist; some programs offer on-site psychiatric consultation
Compass Health’s IOP team includes bachelor and master-level clinicians, mental health technicians, psychiatric providers, and medical assistants to tailor your plan and support crisis response (Compass Health).
Flexibility for daily life
- PHP: More structured daytime schedule; less flexibility for work or childcare
- IOP: Evening or part-day sessions allow you to maintain most daily responsibilities
Both levels foster peer support, accountability, and community integration, offering camaraderie that’s essential for sustained recovery.
Assess insurance coverage
Understanding coverage options ensures you can access PHP or IOP without unexpected costs.
Medicare and Medicaid
- Intensive outpatient program services are covered under Medicare Part B after deductible, with 20% coinsurance (Medicare).
- Partial hospitalization services may be covered by Medicare Part B if prescribed for at least 20 hours weekly and both provider and program accept assignment (Medicare.gov).
- TRICARE covers authorized partial hospitalization for mental health and substance use disorders without pre-authorization (TRICARE).
Private insurance options
Most private insurers recognize PHP and IOP as levels of care with benefits similar to inpatient services. Coverage varies by plan, so you should:
- Verify session caps or prior authorization requirements
- Ask about co-pay and coinsurance amounts
- Confirm in-network providers to minimize out-of-pocket expenses
Find programs that accept private plans on our partial hospitalization that accepts insurance and intensive outpatient therapy that accepts insurance pages.
Financial assistance programs
If insurance gaps arise, treatment centers may offer:
- Sliding scale fees
- Payment plans
- Scholarship or grant programs
Discuss these options with your admissions coordinator to ensure uninterrupted access to care.
Choose the right program
Selecting between PHP and IOP depends on your clinical needs, daily responsibilities, and support network.
Decision factors to weigh
Consider:
- Symptom severity and risk level
- Need for daily clinical oversight
- Work, school, or family obligations
- Insurance coverage and cost-sharing
- Availability of peer support in group settings
Questions to ask providers
Before enrolling, you might ask:
- What is the typical daily schedule and therapeutic mix?
- How is psychiatric care integrated into the program?
- Which insurance plans do you accept, and what out-of-pocket costs apply?
- How do you support transition to lower levels of care or community services?
Taking next steps
Once you’ve gathered information:
- Compare program details and costs
- Consult your psychiatrist or therapist for recommendations
- Contact admissions to verify availability and start dates
- Arrange insurance pre-authorization if required
For guidance on stepping down from residential care, explore our php program for adults transitioning from residential care. If you’re focused on relapse prevention, learn about our intensive outpatient therapy for relapse prevention.
Choosing a structured day treatment path is a significant step toward recovery. Whether you opt for PHP or IOP, both offer comprehensive care, individualized plans, and the support necessary for lasting change.
