partial hospitalization program
Intensive day treatment program providing comprehensive psychiatric services without overnight stays.
Full Definition
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is an intensive outpatient treatment option that provides structured therapeutic programming during daytime hours, typically 6-8 hours per day, 3-5 days per week. For children and adolescents, PHPs offer individual therapy, group therapy, family sessions, psychiatric medication management, and educational services. These programs serve youth who require more intensive intervention than traditional outpatient therapy but do not need the 24-hour supervision of inpatient hospitalization. PHPs often function as step-down care following inpatient treatment or as an alternative to hospitalization for acute psychiatric symptoms.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid abbreviating as PHP in formal clinical documentation unless previously defined.
In Context
- "The adolescent was referred to a partial hospitalization program following stabilization of suicidal ideation." — Discharge planning documentation
- "Partial hospitalization programs provide intensive treatment while allowing patients to maintain family connections." — Program description