Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the most intensive outpatient level of care, providing near-residential treatment intensity while clients sleep at home or in sober living. PHP typically runs 5 days per week for 5 to 8 hours per day over 2 to 6 weeks, offering medical monitoring, psychiatric services, group therapy, and individual counselling in a structured day-program format.

Comparing Levels of Care

Residential Treatment

Live-in, 24 hours a day, 30 to 90 days. Best for severe addiction, unsafe home environment, or need for 24-hour medical supervision.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

5 to 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, sleep at home. Best for individuals needing intensive support without full residential admission, or stepping down from residential.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

3 to 4 hours per day, 3 to 5 days per week. Best for moderate addiction, stable home environment, and work or family obligations.

Standard Outpatient

1 to 2 sessions per week. Best for mild addiction, maintenance, or early-stage issues.

What a PHP Day Looks Like

Morning check-in (8:30 AM): Vital signs, medication review, daily goals, brief group sharing.

Group therapy (9:00 AM): 90-minute facilitated session covering coping skills, triggers, relationships, and emotional regulation.

Psychoeducation (10:30 AM): Addiction science, relapse prevention, and mental health education.

Lunch (12:00 PM): Shared meal and peer connection time.

Skill-building group (1:00 PM): CBT skills, mindfulness, anger management, stress reduction.

Individual or family therapy (2:30 PM): Personal sessions 2 to 3 times per week.

Wrap-up and planning (3:30 PM): Daily review, homework assignments, evening support plan.

Discharge (4:00 PM): Return home or to sober living.

Who PHP Is For

Stepping down from residential or inpatient treatment
Moderate to severe addiction with psychiatric complexity
Co-occurring mental health disorders requiring daily monitoring
Safe home environment (or sober living) available each evening
Medically stable — no acute withdrawal requiring hospitalization

Medical and Psychiatric Services in PHP

Daily nursing assessment — vital signs, withdrawal monitoring, medication adherence
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management for co-occurring depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
MAT prescribing and coordination
Regular lab work and drug testing

PHP in Canada

PHP is less common than standard outpatient or IOP in Canada, and more available in larger cities and hospital-based addiction programs. Some provinces use different terminology such as day programs or structured day treatment. Access is typically through physician, psychiatrist, or residential treatment referral. Public PHP programs are free with provincial health coverage. Private PHP ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 for a full program.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)