Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for Addiction
Structured Day Treatment While You Live at Home
Kolmac’s partial hospitalization program provides intensive, full-day addiction treatment without requiring an overnight stay. PHP bridges the gap between inpatient rehab and standard outpatient care, offering six hours of structured programming per day, five days a week, while allowing you to return home each evening.
Our PHP is designed for individuals dealing with alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, or gambling addiction who need a high level of clinical support but do not require 24-hour residential care. Treatment is evidence-based, data-driven, and as effective as inpatient programs, with the advantage that you stay connected to your family, your job, and your daily life throughout the process.
PHP is available at our Arlington, VA, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, PA, and Bryn Mawr, PA locations. Call (888) 521-7692 or request an appointment to get started within one business day.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program (sometimes called a day treatment program) is a level of care that falls between inpatient/residential treatment and intensive outpatient (IOP). Patients attend treatment during the day for an extended block of hours and go home in the evening. PHP is recognized by insurance providers and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) as an appropriate level of care for individuals who need more structure than IOP can provide but do not require round-the-clock supervision.
At Kolmac, PHP includes group therapy, individual counseling, psychiatric services, medication management, and family participation, all integrated into a single, cohesive treatment plan.
What to Expect in Kolmac’s PHP
The partial hospitalization phase of treatment at Kolmac typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks and includes 30 to 40 group sessions. In addition to group therapy (the core of PHP treatment), patients receive individual medical and clinical care, case management, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when indicated, and mental health support for co-occurring disorders.
Daily Schedule
- 6 hours per day, 5 days per week
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Duration: 6 to 8 weeks (30 to 40 sessions total)
- Group size: 10 to 12 patients with 1 counselor
Individual Treatment
- Weekly or biweekly sessions based on clinical need
- Full biopsychosocial assessment within one week of admission
- Biweekly medical check-ins
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Psychiatrist prescribes and monitors medication for MAT/Suboxone patients
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner supports ongoing medication management
Phase 1: Detoxification
Phase 2: Partial Hospitalization
Phase 3: Outpatient & Continuing Care
Three Phases of Kolmac PHP Treatment
Kolmac integrates three phases of care into one continuous recovery path, ensuring a smooth transition from stabilization through long-term support.
Phase 1: Detoxification. For patients who need medically supervised withdrawal management, Kolmac offers virtual, home-based detox. Our medical team monitors you throughout the process, adjusting medications as needed to keep you safe and comfortable.
Phase 2: Partial Hospitalization Program. The core PHP phase provides intensive daily treatment combining group therapy, individual counseling, psychiatric services, and skill-building. This is where the work of recovery happens.
Phase 3: Outpatient and Continuing Care. After stabilization, patients step down to outpatient programming that includes group sessions, individual therapy, family participation, and ongoing medical support. Patients can participate in continuing care in-person, fully virtual, or in a hybrid format.
Our clinical team ensures consistency across all three phases so you never feel like you are starting over.
Group Therapy in PHP
Group therapy is the backbone of Kolmac’s partial hospitalization program. Research and decades of clinical experience consistently show that group-based treatment is one of the most effective approaches for addiction recovery. Group sessions keep patients connected to peers who understand what they are going through, which reduces isolation and builds accountability.
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches used in Kolmac PHP groups include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and relapse prevention. Sessions also cover anger management, stress management, nutrition and healthy lifestyle, meditation and mindfulness, healthy relationships, and setting boundaries.
Family Participation
Addiction affects the whole family, and recovery is stronger when families are involved. Kolmac offers weekly family group sessions (all virtual, three options per week) where loved ones can learn about addiction, understand the recovery process, and build healthier communication patterns. We recommend families attend at least once per week.
We also encourage participation in community support groups such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery Family and Friends.
PHP vs. IOP: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program is the number of hours per week.
PHP involves 6 hours per day, 5 days per week (30 hours/week). It is appropriate for patients who need a higher level of structure, are earlier in their recovery, or have co-occurring mental health conditions that require close monitoring.
IOP involves 3 to 4 sessions per week, typically 3 hours per session (9 to 12 hours/week). It is appropriate for patients who have more stability, can manage daily responsibilities alongside treatment, or are stepping down from PHP.
At Kolmac, many patients begin in PHP and transition to IOP as they stabilize. Our clinical team determines the appropriate level of care through an initial evaluation.
PHP Locations
Kolmac currently offers partial hospitalization programming at the following locations:
If you are not near one of these locations, Kolmac also offers virtual IOP and outpatient treatment across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Hospitalization
How long does a partial hospitalization program last?
Kolmac’s PHP typically runs 6 to 8 weeks, with 30 to 40 group sessions. The exact duration depends on your individual progress and clinical needs. Some patients complete PHP faster, while others benefit from a longer stay before stepping down to outpatient care.
Does insurance cover partial hospitalization?
Yes. Most major insurance plans cover PHP as a recognized level of addiction treatment. Kolmac’s admissions team will verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before you begin. Contact us at (888) 521-7692 to check your insurance coverage.
What is the difference between PHP and inpatient rehab?
In inpatient rehab, you live at the treatment facility 24/7. In PHP, you attend treatment during the day (10 AM to 4 PM) and go home each evening. Research shows that PHP can be as effective as inpatient treatment for many patients, with the added benefit of practicing recovery skills in your real-life environment.
Can I work while in PHP?
PHP requires attendance five days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM, which makes it difficult to maintain a full-time work schedule. However, many patients arrange modified schedules with their employers, especially since PHP typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks. After completing PHP, you can step down to IOP, which offers more scheduling flexibility.
Do you offer PHP for mental health conditions without addiction?
Kolmac’s PHP is primarily designed for substance use disorders, though we treat co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders) as an integrated part of addiction treatment. For standalone mental health treatment, our Mental Health IOP may be a better fit.
What happens after I complete PHP?
Most patients step down to Kolmac’s IOP or outpatient program, which provides continued group therapy, individual sessions, and medical support at a reduced frequency. This step-down approach supports long-term recovery. Patients can attend continuing care in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
How quickly can I start PHP?
Kolmac’s streamlined admissions process allows most patients to start treatment within one business day. Call (888) 521-7692 or request an appointment online to begin.
Is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) available during PHP?
Yes. Kolmac offers MAT including Suboxone and other FDA-approved medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders. A psychiatrist prescribes and monitors medication, with support from a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.