Partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Kolmac: Intensive day treatment
PHP bridges the gap between inpatient rehab and standard outpatient care, offering 6 hours of structured programming per day, 5 days a week, while allowing you to return home each evening. Our PHP is designed for individuals dealing with alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, gambling disorder, or co-occurring mental health conditions who need a high level of clinical support but do not require 24-hour residential care.
Treatment is evidence-based, data-driven, and, according to research published in Psychiatric Services, just as effective as inpatient programs for many patients.
PHP is available at our Arlington, VA, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, PA, and Bryn Mawr, PA locations.
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 extended 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 — classified as ASAM Level 2.5 — 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.
Our two PHP tracks
Kolmac offers two specialized PHP tracks, each designed to meet the clinical needs of the people we serve.
Mental health PHP
Substance use PHP
For individuals dealing with alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, or other substance use disorders, substance use PHP combines group therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and medical monitoring in a structured daily program.
Both tracks treat co-occurring conditions as part of a single, integrated plan.
What does a typical PHP day look like?
PHP at Kolmac runs Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here’s what a typical day includes:
- Morning group session — structured group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, or ACT
- Skill-building groups — midday sessions covering stress management, relapse prevention, healthy relationships, and mindfulness
- Individual and medical care — weekly or biweekly individual counseling, medical check-ins, and medication management as needed
- Afternoon group session — focused on reflection, accountability, and planning
Groups typically include 10 to 12 patients with one counselor. The full PHP phase runs 6 to 8 weeks, totaling 30 to 40 sessions.
PHP vs. IOP: How to choose
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’s appropriate for patients who need a higher level of structure, are earlier in their treatment, or have co-occurring mental health conditions that require close monitoring.
IOP involves 3 to 4 sessions per week, typically lasting 3 hours each (9 to 12 hours/week). It’s appropriate for patients who have more stability, can manage daily responsibilities alongside treatment, or are stepping down from PHP.
Kolmac’s clinical team can help you choose the right program through an initial evaluation.
PHP at Kolmac in Washington, D.C.
Kolmac’s Washington, D.C., location is the only place in the District offering Kolmac’s full partial hospitalization program.
For DC residents seeking the highest level of outpatient care available, PHP at Kolmac provides a structured, clinically rigorous alternative to inpatient rehab, without requiring an overnight stay or disrupting your daily life.
PHP is also available in our other locations: Arlington, Virginia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
If you’re not near one of these locations, Kolmac offers virtual IOP and outpatient treatment across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Frequently asked questions
You don’t need to stay overnight at a facility, which means you stay connected to family and can begin applying what you’re learning in your daily life.
If you’re not near one of these locations, Kolmac offers virtual IOP and outpatient options across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
This step-down approach supports long-term stability. Patients can attend continuing care in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
