Partial Hospitalization Program
Also written as: PHP — Partial Hospitalization Program
An intensive outpatient treatment program that provides structured therapeutic services for several hours daily while allowing patients to return home at night.
Full Definition
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intermediate level of care that bridges the gap between inpatient hospitalization and traditional outpatient services. Typically operating 4-6 hours per day, 5-7 days per week, PHPs provide intensive therapeutic interventions including group therapy, individual counseling, medication management, and psychiatric monitoring. Patients participate in structured programming during the day but return home in the evenings, maintaining some connection to their community and support systems. PHPs are often used for step-down care following inpatient treatment or as an alternative to hospitalization for individuals requiring intensive support.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize as a specific program type; use PHP abbreviation after first mention.
In Context
- "Following inpatient stabilization, the patient will transition to a Partial Hospitalization Program for continued intensive treatment." — Discharge plan
- "The Partial Hospitalization Program includes daily group therapy and twice-weekly psychiatric evaluations." — Treatment description