When substance use or mental health struggles start getting in the way of work, relationships, or even just getting through the day, it’s a sign that something needs to change. But not everyone can pause their entire life to enter a full-time treatment program. That’s where a Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP, can offer a better fit. PHP provides steady, focused support throughout the day without the need to stay overnight. In Southern California, PHP options like the one at Ocean Hills Recovery give people the time and care they need to work on their recovery while still being able to return home in the evenings. It’s a realistic approach that helps lay the groundwork for lasting change, especially for those who need more than occasional therapy but aren’t looking for round-the-clock care.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP, is a type of treatment that provides steady support for people who need help managing substance use or mental health struggles but don’t need to stay in a facility overnight. It’s often described as a middle step between inpatient care and traditional outpatient therapy.
Instead of a few sessions per week, PHP includes several hours of treatment each day. Clients typically come in five or six days a week and participate in different forms of care like individual therapy, group sessions, and mental health services. There may also be medical check-ins and support with medications if needed. Once the treatment day is done, clients return to their homes or a sober living house.
This setup allows people to receive focused help while still keeping some connection to their day-to-day lives. It gives enough time and space to work on real progress without needing to pause everything else.
Who Can Benefit from PHP?
PHP can help people at different points in their recovery. For many, it comes after completing a medical detox or a residential program. At that stage, they may feel more stable physically but still need daily structure and support to stay on track. PHP helps bridge that gap, offering enough care to keep people grounded while they begin to rebuild routines.
Others may enter PHP without going through inpatient care first. This often happens when someone’s symptoms are getting worse, or life is starting to feel out of control, but they don’t need round-the-clock monitoring. It’s a good fit for people who are ready to make a change but still need a strong support system to do it.
At Ocean Hills Recovery in Southern California, our PHP is built to give people the tools they need to move forward. We create space for healing without pressure or judgment. Each day brings a mix of therapy, accountability, and connection that helps people begin to steady themselves again—one step at a time.
How Long Are Partial Hospitalization Programs?
PHPs aren’t meant to be permanent—they’re transitional, supportive, and designed to help people stabilize. The typical length of a PHP can range from two to six weeks, although this varies depending on the individual.
Factors that influence how long someone stays in a PHP include:
- Severity of the addiction or mental health condition
- Progress made during treatment
- Clinical recommendations and ongoing assessments
- Whether the person is stepping down from a higher level of care (like inpatient rehab)
At Ocean Hills Recovery, clients usually begin with a recommended duration based on their intake evaluation, but the plan is always flexible. Some people might need a few extra weeks to feel confident moving forward, while others are ready for the next step sooner.
In all cases, we keep communication open. As people progress, we adjust their care to reflect their current needs—never forcing them into a rigid timeline.
Benefits of PHPs in Southern California
Living in Southern California has many perks: Beautiful weather, proximity to the ocean, and access to some of the most effective treatment options in the country. Choosing a PHP here means engaging in treatment in a space that can help reduce stress and encourage healing.
Here are a few of the key benefits of PHPs, especially at Ocean Hills Recovery:
1. Structured Support Without Isolation
One of the biggest advantages of PHP is the ability to receive full-day support while still maintaining personal freedom. You can live off-site, stay connected to loved ones, and gradually build confidence in your everyday life. That kind of balance is great in early recovery.
2. Clinical Services That Matter
PHPs offer access to a range of services, such as individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, and skill-building workshops. These aren’t just filler activities. They help people understand how to manage triggers, develop coping strategies, and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.
3. A Place to Stabilize
For many people, the period following detox or residential care can feel uncertain. PHP acts as a safety net during this time. It gives structure to your day, connects you to others who are doing the same work, and keeps you accountable.
4. More Affordable Than Inpatient Rehab
While still intensive, PHPs are often more cost-effective than inpatient programs because they don’t include room and board. This can make them a more accessible option for people with insurance limitations or budget concerns.
5. Coastal Calm and Natural Backdrops
Southern California’s landscape naturally supports healing. Being near the beach or in a setting that doesn’t feel clinical can make a huge difference in how people experience treatment. It’s not a magic cure—but it does help people feel more grounded during a tough time.
PHP vs. IOP: Which Is Right for You?
When comparing a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), the main difference is how much support and structure you get each week.
A PHP is typically five to six hours of care each day, five or more days a week. It’s meant for people who need close monitoring, a consistent therapeutic environment, and a full schedule of clinical care.
An IOP, on the other hand, is usually three to four days per week, with shorter sessions. It’s less demanding and is often the next step after completing a PHP.
So how do you know which one is right?
If you’re still dealing with frequent cravings, emotional instability, or mental health symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, PHP is likely the better starting point. IOP might be a better option if you’ve already built some stability and are looking for support while returning to work or school. We help guide people through all of their options. We assess your needs and talk through what makes the most sense based on your current circumstances.
Why Choose Ocean Hills Recovery PHP?
There’s no shortage of treatment centers in Southern California. But at Ocean Hills Recovery, we’ve created an environment that blends professional care with human connection.
People come to us looking for a safe space—physically and emotionally. We meet you where you are, without judgment, and offer tools to move forward at the right pace.
Here’s what makes our Southern California PHP different:
Expert Clinical Care
Our team includes licensed therapists, addiction specialists, and medical professionals who bring both knowledge and empathy to the table. Clients aren’t just “cases” here—they’re individuals with stories, strengths, and goals.
Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies
We use a range of clinical approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. But we also recognize that healing isn’t only mental. We include experiential therapies like yoga, art, and mindfulness to support the whole person.
Seamless Continuity of Care
Many of our clients start with detox or residential care before moving into PHP and then on to IOP or outpatient. We make those transitions as smooth as possible, maintaining therapeutic relationships and adapting treatment plans in real-time.
A Realistic Path Forward
PHP isn’t meant to be forever, but it can be a turning point. We help you develop practical coping skills, build emotional resilience, and create a daily routine that supports sobriety. Our goal is to help you walk out of treatment with a plan, not just hope.
Call Ocean Hills Recovery Today
If you’re considering a Partial Hospitalization Program in Southern California, now is a good time to take that next step. Whether you’re just out of detox, struggling with relapse, or looking for something more structured than weekly therapy, PHP at Ocean Hills Recovery could be the right fit.
We’re here to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you figure out what’s next. You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to be open to a new way forward. Contact us today, or share this article with someone who might need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a partial hospitalization program (PHP)?
A PHP is a structured form of treatment that provides full-day support, therapy, and medical services without requiring clients to live on-site overnight.
How long are partial hospitalization programs?
Most PHPs last between two and six weeks, depending on the client’s clinical needs, progress, and prior treatment experience.
What are the benefits of PHPs?
PHPs provide focused care, flexible living, and strong therapeutic support—making them ideal for people who need more than outpatient treatment but less than inpatient rehab.
What’s the difference between PHP and IOP?
PHP offers more hours and support than IOP, making it suitable for people in early recovery or those needing a highly structured environment during the day.
Does Ocean Hills Recovery offer PHP in Southern California?
Yes. Our PHP in Huntington Beach provides evidence-based therapy, medical support, and holistic treatment in a peaceful, beachside setting.
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