What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A Partial Hospitalization Program is a short-term, intensive day treatment program for people who are experiencing mental health concerns that affect their ability to cope and function. It’s more structured than standard outpatient therapy, but doesn’t require an overnight stay.
PHP can serve as an alternative to inpatient care, or as a step-down option after a hospital stay. It’s designed to help stabilize mood, build coping skills and support a return to everyday life.
PHP at Branches South Shore may help with:
- Depression: Persistent low mood, loss of interest and difficulty functioning day to day
- Anxiety: Excessive worry, fear or avoidance that interferes with daily activities
- Mood disorders: Conditions affecting emotion regulation and stability
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Trauma-related symptoms including flashbacks, hypervigilance and avoidance
- Co-occurring substance use issues: When substance use and mental health concerns occur together and require coordinated care
Our Programs
Three specialized programs are available, each designed for a specific age group and clinical need.
Adult PHP
The Adult PHP is a short-term, structured day treatment program for adults ages 18 and older. It uses evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support skill development, mood stabilization and improved daily functioning.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Adult Trauma-Focused PHP
When trauma is at the center of what someone is working through, a specialized approach can make a real difference. The Adult Trauma-Focused PHP is designed for adults 18 and older who are experiencing the emotional, physical or psychological effects of trauma.
Through group-based therapy, patients work on processing their experiences, identifying triggers and building coping strategies they can carry forward long after the program ends.
Key features of the Trauma-Focused PHP:
- Group therapy: Sessions focus on healing, resilience and building strength through shared experience
- Trauma processing: Structured support for working through traumatic events at a pace that feels manageable
- Trigger identification: Tools to recognize and respond to trauma triggers in everyday life
- Coping skill development: Practical, sustainable strategies for managing trauma-related responses
Treatment benefits may include:
- A renewed sense of stability
- Validation of trauma-related emotions
- Greater understanding of how trauma affects the body
- Improved confidence and relationships
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Lunch is provided. Daily attendance is required, with limited exceptions. The program is typically three weeks in length.
Adolescent PHP
The Adolescent PHP serves teens ages 13 to 18 (or up to 18 if still in high school) who need structured mental health support. In addition to therapeutic groups, adolescents receive one hour of academic tutoring daily during the school year, so their education doesn’t have to wait while they focus on their well-being.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..
What to Expect in PHP
Each program includes a structured set of clinical services delivered throughout the day. What patients can expect across all three programs:
- Mental health evaluation: A thorough clinical assessment at the start of treatment
- Therapeutic groups: Multiple group sessions daily using evidence-based modalities
- Medication management: Ongoing review and adjustment of medications as needed
- Individual check-ins: Regular one-on-one time with an assigned case manager
- Social and emotional support: Goal-focused work to improve daily functioning
- Family collaboration: Active involvement of families and, for adolescents, outpatient providers and schools
- Discharge and aftercare planning: A clear plan for continuing care after the program ends
Is PHP Right for You?
PHP may be a good fit when:
- Outpatient therapy hasn’t been enough to manage symptoms
- You’re stepping down from an inpatient stay and need continued structure
- Daily functioning at home, school or work is being significantly affected
- You need intensive support but don’t require 24-hour care
A Level-of-Care Assessment is available to help determine whether PHP is the right fit. Assessments are offered in person and virtually.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step can feel like a lot. You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out — that’s what the team at Branches South Shore is here for.
Schedule an appointment: Schedule online or call 781-924-8203 to schedule a level-of-care assessment.
Assessments are available in person and virtually, at a time that works for you.
Make a Referral
To make a referral please complete and fax the referral form to 781-829-7162 then call 781-924-8203 to make an appointment.
Patient Testimonial
How can I thank you enough? This program helped me through the darkest time in my life and I’ve learned so many great things from this program. You guys are truly heroes, you help people that feel like they can’t be helped. You made me feel validated, you made me feel normal. As much as I don’t want to leave, I know I have to and live my life. So, thank you, you helped me out of a dark hole I didn’t think I could get out of. I send gratitude and love to the whole office and people who were there when I had a bad day (@me being sick).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PHP and inpatient care?
Inpatient care involves staying at a mental health facility around the clock and is designed for people in an acute mental health crisis. PHP is an outpatient program — patients attend structured programming during the day and return home in the evenings. It’s designed for people who need intensive support but don’t require 24-hour supervision.
Can PHP serve as a step-down from inpatient care?
Yes. PHP is a common next step after an inpatient stay. It provides continued structure and clinical support while allowing patients to begin reintegrating into daily life.
How long does PHP last?
Program length varies depending on the patient’s needs and clinical progress. The Trauma-Focused Adult PHP is typically three weeks in length. The team works with each patient to develop an appropriate treatment timeline and discharge plan.
Is PHP available virtually?
Yes. All programs at Branches South Shore are offered both in person and virtually, giving patients flexibility in how they access care.
Do you involve families in treatment?
Family involvement is considered an important part of the recovery process. The clinical team collaborates with families and, for adolescent patients, with outpatient providers and schools as well.
