PHP Programs in Atlanta, GA

PHP patients at The Recovery Village Atlanta undergo a structured, intensive addiction treatment program while still having more independent hours than residential care.

There are numerous options available when someone is in need of addiction treatment. One of the options offered at The Recovery Village Atlanta is partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Our Atlanta-based PHP offers the level of structure seen in residential care but with more free time to manage their own recovery. In PHP, some patients will still live onsite at the facility following residenital care, while others may begin PHP while living at home. 

What Is a PHP Program?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines PHP as a level of care that provides at least 20 hours of intensive services per week. PHP is able to provide a high degree of structure, and it is appropriate for patients who have medical conditions and psychiatric diagnoses that require frequent monitoring. 

The benefit of PHP for addiction is that it provides patients with daily access to medical and psychiatric services as a stepping stone between residential and outpatient care. The level of support offered in PHP is beneficial for patients who have high risk factors for relapse but have improved in their recovery enough to merit more independence and accountability for their care. 

PHP Level of Care

There are multiple levels of addiction treatment. Lower levels of care provide screening services and early intervention, while higher levels of care provide intensive services in a residential setting. PHP falls in the middle of the spectrum, offering a higher level of care than outpatient services but remaining less intensive than residential treatment programs. 

PHP vs. Residential

The main difference between PHP vs. residential services is that residential programs require patients to live onsite at a treatment center while receiving services. Meanwhile,  some PHP patients will return home each night, while others will remain onsite. Both PHP and residential programs offer intensive treatment services, but PHP is more appropriate for individuals who have safe, supportive living environments or those who have already graduated from residential care. Residential care is suitable for those who do not have the support or relapse prevention skills needed to remain sober on their own. 

PHP vs. IOP and Outpatient

PHP falls within the spectrum of outpatient care since patients can remain at home while in treatment, though not all do. However, this level of care differs from IOP and standard outpatient services. The most notable difference between PHP and lower levels of outpatient care is that PHP programs provide more service hours per week. 

Outpatient care, by definition, offers under nine hours of service per week. IOP, or intensive outpatient care, provides nine to 19 hours of services each week. Keep in mind that PHP offers at least 20 weekly hours of service. This means that patients in PHP may spend every weekday in treatment, while those in IOP are likely to participate in treatment a few evenings per week. Standard outpatient care may involve participating in one or two counseling sessions per week. 

PHP Therapy 

People in PHP participate in a variety of therapies to help develop the skills required for sober living. Therapy offerings in a PHP can include individual and group therapy, mental health counseling and family therapy. 

There are multiple therapy techniques that can be used in PHP. One mode of therapy that has been found to be effective for treating addiction, especially when combined with medication, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This technique teaches people to change unhelpful thinking patterns in order to modify their feelings and behaviors related to drug use. Other therapies, including motivational enhancement therapy, have also been found to be useful. 

Other PHP Program Features 

In addition to providing therapy for addiction, PHPs offer a variety of services to support people in their recovery. 

Mental Health Support

Since about half of people with addiction will also experience a co-occurring mental health disorder at some point during their lives, PHPs often provide mental health support. Without treatment for mental health, people may continue to use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. For this reason, patients may participate in counseling to manage conditions like depression or anxiety. 

Medication Management 

PHP programs are able to meet the needs of patients who have medical and psychiatric conditions that may require prescription medications. Medical providers working for PHP programs can provide medications to treat co-occurring medical or mental health conditions, and they are available to monitor symptoms and ensure that medications are working effectively. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment modality that uses medications alongside counseling in the treatment of addiction. While MAT is often used to treat opioid addiction, it is also beneficial for individuals with alcohol use disorders. Medications used in MAT can alleviate drug cravings so that people can participate in treatment services like counseling more effectively. 

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is a critical component of PHP. Relapse prevention groups provide patients with education on signs and risk factors for relapse and help them to understand how they can prevent relapse. Staff members in PHP also work with patients on an individual basis to help them formulate their own relapse prevention plans during aftercare.

How Long Are PHP Programs?

The length of time that a person spends in PHP will depend on their unique needs and the policies of the facility where they are receiving treatment. While time spent in treatment can vary, experts recommend that patients stay in treatment for at least 90 days. Shorter treatment durations typically are not effective. 

How Much Do PHP Programs Cost?

The total cost of a PHP program will depend on how long you spend in treatment and the types of services you receive while in PHP. One recent study that evaluated the costs associated with outpatient services like PHP found that the average monthly cost was $3,148. Your costs may be lower or higher depending upon where you live, how intensive your needs are and the facility where you receive treatment. 

Are PHP Programs Covered by Insurance?

Many private insurance providers cover addiction treatment services, which can help offset some or all of the costs of PHP. According to stipulations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid programs must cover addiction services as essential benefits, but not all facilities accept this government-provided health insurance. If you’d like to use insurance to lower your out-of-pocket costs for PHP, you can verify your benefits with your insurance provider or the treatment facility. You can also call The Recovery Village Atlanta to confirm that your insurance will be accepted at our facility.

PHP Programs Near Me

If you’re looking for Georgia-based PHPs, The Recovery Village Atlanta offers this level of care as a part of our full continuum of addiction treatment services. In addition to PHP, our facility provides medical detox, residential treatment, and aftercare planning. 

Our treatment center is a part of The Recovery Village network, which offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs across the country. Our centers are known for providing evidence-based treatment and individualized treatment plans. In addition, each of our facilities is accredited by at least one of the nation’s most prominent accrediting bodies, so you can be sure you’re getting care from a quality PHP. 

Intensive Outpatient Programs at The Recovery Village Atlanta

If you or someone you love is in need of PHP or other treatment services, The Recovery Village Atlanta is here to help. Contact us today to speak with our admissions team, verify your insurance and begin the admissions process at our Atlanta facility. 

By – The Recovery Village Atlanta

The Recovery Village Atlanta builds tailored treatment plans with an understanding that addiction is a mental health disorder and a chronic disease. Read more

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Jenni Jacobsen, LSW

Jenni Jacobsen is a licensed social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She has seven years of experience working in the social work field, working with clients with addiction-related and mental health diagnoses. Read more