What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides comprehensive care without the need for 24/7 inpatient supervision. Designed for individuals who need more than weekly therapy but less than full hospitalization, PHP offers:

• Daily therapeutic activities
• Group therapy with peers
• Individual check-ins with an assigned case manager
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Skills training for emotional regulation and life challenges
• Aftercare and discharge planning

Unlike inpatient care, PHP is offered during daytime hours, then participants spend their evenings at home. This model aims to balance intensive behavioral or psychiatric treatment while maintaining connections to family, school, work and community simultaneously.

At Pembroke Hospital, our PHP is designed to provide intensive, therapeutic care that bridges the gap between inpatient hospitalization and traditional outpatient therapy.

Who Should Consider PHP?

PHP is ideal for people experiencing:

• Acute episodes of depression or anxiety
• Emotional dysregulation
• Adjustment struggles
• Trauma responses
• Discharge from inpatient care needing continued support
• School or work stress that impacts daily functioning

While many individuals enter PHP after completing inpatient treatment to support the transition back to everyday life, others may begin PHP directly from the community when they need more support than traditional outpatient therapy offers.

Why Choose Partial Hospitalization Over Other Care Levels?

PHP provides an optimal middle ground between inpatient hospitalization and outpatient therapy. Here’s how it compares:

Inpatient care

• 24/7 supervision
• Best for immediate safety concerns
• More restrictive environment

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

• Daily, structured therapeutic support
• Intensive, evidence-based care building on CBT, DBT and mindfulness therapies
• Participants live at home
• Ideal for moderate to severe symptoms without safety risks

Outpatient therapy

• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly sessions
• Best for mild to moderate symptoms
• Less structured

PHP combines the therapeutic intensity of inpatient care with the independence of outpatient living — making it powerful for recovery and skill building.

PHP at Pembroke Hospital: Care Designed for You

At Pembroke Hospital, our Partial Hospitalization Programs are built on compassion, clinical expertise, and personalized care. We offer specialized tracks for adults, adolescents and trauma-focused, helping to ensure age-appropriate treatment that meets each person where they are.

Every participant in our PHP receives a tailored treatment plan, including:

• Comprehensive Clinical Assessment – We begin with a confidential assessment with trained mental health professional and a psychiatric provider.
• Daily Therapeutic Groups – These cover topics such as coping strategies, emotional processing, interpersonal skills, using CBT, DBT and mindfulness interventions to build positive coping skills.
• An assigned case manager -Supports individual needs throughout the program including treatment planning and aftercare planning.
• Psychiatric Support – Ongoing medication evaluation and management, if appropriate.
• Family Involvement – Case management collaboration with family ongoing as needed.
• Daily Tutoring – For adolescents, they will receive one hour of classroom tutoring via Learn well tutors to aid in staying current with schoolwork.

All services in our PHP are grounded in evidence-based practices designed to foster resilience and long-term wellness.

Adult Partial Hospitalization Program at Pembroke Hospital

Our adult PHP is designed for individuals 18+ who are facing moderate to severe mental health struggles that require structured support.

Common Concerns Addressed

Adults in our PHP often seek help for:

• Major depression or anxiety
• Bipolar disorder or mood dysregulation
• PTSD and trauma histories
• Stress-related impairment at work or home
• Suicidal thoughts (when not requiring inpatient hospitalization)

What to Expect

Participants in the adult PHP attend scheduled therapeutic activities including:

• Psychoeducational groups on emotional regulation
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) interventions
• Supportive processing groups
• Health and wellness skills
• Peer support and relational connections

This structured approach empowers adults to manage symptoms while building coping skills for real-world challenges within a supportive, clinically guided environment.

Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Pembroke Hospital

Adolescence is a stage filled with growth, but it can also be full of overwhelming emotions, identity exploration and social stress. At Pembroke Hospital, our Adolescent PHP is tailored specifically to meet the unique developmental needs of teens and young adults.

Why Teens Need Specialized Care

Adolescents differ from adults in their emotional regulation skills, brain development, peer influences, and social environment stressors. For these reasons, our adolescent program:

• Uses age-appropriate therapeutic modalities
• Blends clinical support with life skills training
• Offers socialization within a structured group context
• Involves caregivers in treatment planning

Common Goals in the Adolescent PHP

• Enhancing emotional awareness
• Improving family and peer communication
• Reducing crisis behaviors
• Strengthening problem-solving and coping strategies
• Preparing for school and community re-engagement

By fostering collaboration between teens, caregivers and clinicians, our adolescent PHP promotes sustainable growth and healthier developmental trajectories.

Adult Trauma-Informed PHP at Pembroke Hospital

A trauma-informed approach recognizes that:

• Many people seeking mental health support have a history of trauma.
• Trauma affects neurological, emotional and interpersonal functioning.
• Healing is enhanced in environments that are safe, predictable and empowering.

How Trauma-Informed Care Looks in PHP

Our trauma-informed PHP designs treatment around:

• Safety: Physical and emotional safety is prioritized.
• Trust: Transparent communication and predictable routines.
• Choice: Participants are encouraged to make decisions about their care.
• Collaboration: Clinicians, clients and families work as a team.
• Empowerment: Focus on strengths and growth rather than deficits.

This approach reduces re-traumatization, fosters resilience and builds skills for long-term recovery.

How to Know If PHP Is Right for You or Your Loved One

Are you wondering whether PHP might be the right fit?

Consider PHP if:

• Symptoms are significantly interfering with daily life
• Weekly therapy hasn’t been enough
• You need structure and support throughout the day
• You want to learn tools you can use at home, school or work
• You’re stepping down from inpatient care and want to maintain progress

Take the Next Step: Schedule an Appointment at Pembroke Hospital

If you or someone you love is struggling with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, Pembroke Hospital’s Partial Hospitalization Program might be the support you need to thrive.

Click to schedule your appointment today or call 781-922-3765.

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Healing is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About PHP

Is PHP the same as outpatient therapy?

No. PHP is more intensive than weekly outpatient therapy. It provides therapeutic support across several hours per day to address moderate to severe symptoms.

Do I have to stay overnight?

No. PHP allows you to return home each evening, providing flexibility while maintaining structured care during the day.

Will insurance cover PHP?

Many insurance plans cover PHP, but coverage varies. Our team can help verify benefits and explain options.

Can teens benefit from PHP?

Absolutely. Our adolescent PHP is designed specifically for young people, with developmentally appropriate therapies and caregiver involvement.

Partial Hospitalization Programs like the one at Pembroke Hospital provide a middle ground for people just like you and your loved ones by offering comprehensive clinical support without removing you from your home life. They are particularly effective when:

• Symptoms are intense but not life-threatening
• Support systems exist at home
• Skill building and community are essential to recovery

Through evidence-based care, trauma-informed practices and a commitment to dignity, Pembroke Hospital’s PHP stands as a beacon of hope for adults and adolescents alike.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Pembroke Hospital today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey toward wellness. Care is available for you.