Partial Hospitalization (PHP) in New York
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)—sometimes called day treatment—provide intensive treatment during the day while you live at home or in supportive housing. It's a middle ground: more intensive than typical outpatient, less restrictive than residential. PHP works well as a step-down from residential or as primary treatment for those who need intensive support but can maintain safe housing.
SAMHSA Verified
Federal database
OASAS Licensed
NY State certified
Need Help Finding the Right Treatment Center?
Speak with a compassionate specialist now - 100% free & confidential
PHP provides structured treatment programming for 5-7 hours per day, typically 5-7 days per week. You attend the program during the day and return home (or to a sober living environment) in the evenings. It combines intensive treatment with the ability to practice recovery skills in real-world settings nightly.
Programming resembles residential treatment in content—group therapy, individual sessions, education, skill-building—but compressed into daytime hours. The intensity rivals residential; the difference is sleeping at home rather than the facility.
PHP often serves as a bridge. Coming out of residential treatment, you might step down to PHP to maintain intensity while transitioning to more independent living. Or, PHP might be the entry point for those who need intensive treatment but have stable housing and don't require 24/7 supervision.
PHP fits those needing intensive treatment but not 24/7 supervision:
• Stepping down from residential treatment but not ready for IOP • Need intensive treatment but have stable, supportive housing • Can maintain safety overnight without supervision • Benefit from practicing recovery in real-world settings while in treatment • Have work/family obligations that don't allow residential but need more than weekly therapy
You'll arrive at the program each morning and participate in a full schedule of groups, individual therapy, and other activities until mid-afternoon or later. Then you return home or to sober living.
The transition each evening—from treatment environment to real world—is itself therapeutic. You practice what you're learning immediately. Challenges that arise overnight become material for the next day's work. This integration of treatment and life accelerates real-world application.
PHP requires reliable transportation and stable housing. You need somewhere safe to go when programming ends. Many programs partner with sober living homes for those without appropriate housing.
Typical Duration
PHP typically runs 2-4 weeks, though some people stay longer. Transition to IOP often follows. The goal is stabilization and skill-building intense enough to maintain progress outside treatment hours. Some programs offer flexible length based on individual needs.
Intensity Level
medium intensity
A typical PHP day runs approximately 9 AM - 3 PM: • 9:00 AM - Morning check-in/mindfulness • 9:30 AM - Process group • 11:00 AM - Psychoeducation or skills group • 12:00 PM - Lunch (may be on-site or break) • 1:00 PM - Specialty group (trauma, DBT, etc.) • 2:30 PM - Individual therapy (scheduled days) • 3:00 PM - Discharge/day's end Evenings and weekends: practice skills, attend outside meetings, begin rebuilding life routines.
- You need intensive treatment but have stable housing
- You're stepping down from residential
- You can maintain safety overnight without supervision
- You want to practice recovery in your real environment
- You have some flexibility in work/family schedule
- You have reliable transportation to attend daily
- Your housing situation is unstable or involves active substance use
- You can't safely manage evenings and nights
- You have medical/psychiatric needs requiring 24/7 monitoring
- You can't commit to 5+ hours daily most days
- You lack transportation to attend consistently
PHP programs exist throughout New York, often connected to hospital systems or established treatment providers. Some specialize in addiction; others serve general mental health with addiction tracks. OASAS-licensed programs meet state standards. Ask about credentials and approach when choosing a program.
PHP is generally covered by insurance including Medicaid. It's less expensive than residential due to no housing component. Coverage typically requires medical necessity documentation. Programs can help with insurance verification and authorization. Out-of-pocket costs without insurance vary but are substantially less than residential.
Verify Your CoverageEditorial Team
Healthcare Information SpecialistsMedical Training NYC
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Content Information
This content is compiled from official government sources including SAMHSA and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Our editorial team verifies facility licensing and updates information regularly.
Important: This is a directory service providing information only. We do not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making treatment decisions.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency:
- ASAM Criteria — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- SAMHSA — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- NY OASAS — View source (Accessed December 2025)