Daily Support, Real Progress: Partial Hospitalization Programs in New Jersey
Dr. Faith A. Coleman, M.D.
Partial Hospitalization Programs: Focused Daily Treatment for a Stronger Path to Recovery
Finding the right level of care for mental health or substance use issues can be daunting. For people who need more than weekly counseling but do not require 24‑hour supervision, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) can be a compassionate bridge between inpatient and outpatient treatment. New Jersey has a network of hospital‑based and community‑based PHPs that offer intensive daytime treatment while allowing participants to return home in the evening. Learn what a partial hospitalization program is, who it’s for, what to expect during treatment and how to choose a PHP in New Jersey.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) provide intensive mental health care for adults and adolescents without requiring overnight stays in a hospital. PHPs are usually short-term, structured programs with scheduled services available most weekdays. Patients will typically spend about 20 hours a week in a PHP receiving group therapy, individual counseling, psychoeducation, medication management, and skill-building activities.[1]
Partial hospitalization programs provide a structured environment that helps patients transition to independence. PHPs offer a high level of clinical support with a strong focus on the patient’s needs and goals, and allow patients to practice their skills in the community.[2] Patients in PHPs receive daily clinical support; when they leave the program at the end of the day, they will return home instead of staying overnight in a hospital. PHPs can be less costly than inpatient hospitalization because they do not require room and board and are typically covered under the patient’s health insurance.[3]
Who Benefits From Partial Hospitalization?
A PHP is appropriate for adults and adolescents who need a high level of structured treatment but can remain safe outside of a hospital at night. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) explains that partial hospitalization provides at least 20 hours of programming each week and includes group therapy, individual counseling, psychoeducation, and medication management[4]. Candidates often share the following characteristics:
- Step‑down after inpatient care. People leaving detox or inpatient treatment may move into a PHP to practice coping skills in a less restrictive setting and to prevent relapse.
- Step‑up from outpatient care. Those not responding to weekly therapy or who have had a recent relapse may require more intensive daily support.
- Motivated to participate. NAMI notes that individuals in structured outpatient settings should be motivated to engage in treatment, able to learn recovery skills, comfortable in group settings and willing to express thoughts and feelings[4].
- Managing co‑occurring disorders. Partial hospitalization programs often treat both mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, providing comprehensive support for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, alcohol use disorder, opioid dependence and other conditions.
A PHP may not be appropriate for individuals in immediate crisis or those who cannot remain safe at home; in those cases, inpatient care or stabilization may be necessary before stepping down to day treatment.
What to Expect in a New Jersey PHP
The type of services provided in PHPs varies depending on the treatment center. However, most PHPs generally follow this format:
- Intake and Assessment- The first visit to a PHP usually consists of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation (including a complete history of substance use), a medical evaluation, and an overview of personal goals. The intake process allows the clinician to identify whether PHP is an appropriate level of care for this patient and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs.
- Daily Schedule- PHPs operate five days per week (Monday through Friday), and the number of hours of treatment each day can vary, but programs typically provide a minimum of 20 hours of therapeutic services each week.[1] PHPs may use the same or similar methods that are used in inpatient programs to conduct their treatment; examples of treatment modalities include individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, medication management, and skill-building activities. A typical day may include:
| Daily Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Morning check‑in | Nurses record vital signs, review sleep and symptom reports, and address any medication side effects. |
| Group psychotherapy | Licensed clinicians facilitate groups focusing on emotional regulation, relapse prevention, coping strategies, interpersonal skills and symptom management. Group therapy provides peer support and opportunities to practice communication skills. |
| Individual counseling | Clients meet one‑on‑one with a therapist to discuss personal challenges, process trauma and set recovery goals. |
| Medication management | A psychiatrist or advanced practice nurse reviews medications, adjusts dosages and monitors side effects. For substance‑use disorders, medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) may involve buprenorphine or naltrexone to reduce cravings. |
| Psychoeducation | Educational sessions teach participants about their diagnoses, the effects of substances on the brain, stress management and strategies to maintain recovery. NAMI notes that psychoeducation is a core service in PHPs[4]. |
| Skill‑building and experiential therapy | Programs often incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to improve distress tolerance and mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to promote values‑based living. Peer‑reviewed research shows that DBT is effective for treating adults with mental illness[5] and that CBT can improve outcomes in addictive disorders[6]. Experiential therapies such as art, music, yoga or mindfulness groups provide creative outlets for emotional expression. |
| Wellness and life skills. | Sessions on nutrition, exercise, financial management or job skills help participants rebuild daily routines and prepare for reintegration into the community. |
- Aftercare Planning- At the end of the program, most PHPs work closely with the patient to coordinate continuing treatment. Clients will step down into intensive outpatient (IOP) programs and peer support groups, and authorized family members will be notified of the discharge from PHP. Successful discharge from PHP will help ensure an individual’s long-term recovery.
Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization offers several advantages over both inpatient and standard outpatient care:
- Intensive support without overnight stays. Patients receive daily clinical attention, including psychiatric monitoring and evidence‑based therapy, while sleeping at home. Patients in a PHP do not stay overnight and receive a mix of individual and group counseling with medical services on site.
- Flexibility and independence. Attending treatment during the day enables participants to continue caring for family members and attend school or work part‑time. It also allows them to practice coping skills in real‑world settings and return to treatment the next day with feedback for their clinicians.
- Cost‑effectiveness. Because there is no room and board cost, PHPs are often less expensive than inpatient hospitalization. Many private insurance plans and Medicare Part B cover partial hospitalization when the physician certifies that inpatient care would otherwise be necessary[3].
- Structured environment. The daily schedule creates accountability and helps individuals build routines that support recovery. NAMI notes that structured outpatient treatment provides more direction than traditional outpatient therapy because clients spend more time with clinicians and peers[4].
- Comprehensive care for co‑occurring disorders. Programs treat mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously, reducing the risk of relapse and improving overall well‑being.
Common Therapies and Modalities in PHPs
The various forms of treatment used in PHPs include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and many programs also utilize other forms of experiential therapies. The framework used to create these treatments is often based on current research, which highlights the benefits of each of these modalities concerning improving treatment outcomes.
Listed below are the most commonly used therapies or modalities marketed along with their advantages:
| Therapy | Purpose and Benefits | Evidence |
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | CBT helps participants find and replace negative thinking patterns which may lead to addiction, anxiety, depression and/or use of drugs and alcohol. Clients learn to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones, and practice positive behaviors. | Research shows CBT is effective in treating addiction and improving mental health.[6] |
| Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) | DBT teaches clients skills to manage their emotions through mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. It is particularly helpful for people experiencing mood swings, self-harm or borderline personality traits. | A systematic review found that DBT assists adults to manage urges to use or abuse drugs and alcohol, as well as helps them manage moods.[5] |
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | ACT encourages clients to accept the feelings they are experiencing without judgement and live by their own values. | ACT has also been shown to help clients develop psychological flexibility by helping them commit to taking action that is consistent with their values and reducing their discomfort when faced with difficult emotion.[7] |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | MAT is a combination of a federally approved drug such as buprenorphine, naltrexone or antidepressants and behavior therapy, education, individual counseling and support. MAT prevents relapse, stabilizes mood, and decreases cravings. | Evidence shows that MAT improves the overall function of persons who misuse prescription drugs or suffer from heroin addiction.[8] |
| Psychoeducation | Psychoeducational services provide education and understanding of mental health disorders, substance use disorder, medications and relapse prevention. It gives the individual and family members an understanding of the recovery process and how to make informed choices. | According to NAMI, Psychoeducation is an important part of PHP’s (Partial Hospitalization Programs)[4] |
| Experiential and Holistic Therapies | Holistic and experiential therapy modalities include art, music, yoga, mindfulness training, and recreation. This allows participants to express their emotions through creative outlets and learn to develop positive leisure habits. | Experiential therapies provide an avenue to address the emotional and sensory aspects of the addiction recovery process that may be difficult to express in words. |
| Family Therapy | Family therapy involves family members participating in the education process, acquiring communication skills, creating boundaries, and building a supportive recovery home environment. | Family involvement enhances the likelihood that individuals will adhere to treatment and achieve positive outcomes through recovery.[9] |
Understanding Insurance Coverage and the Cost of PHP
The type and amount of insurance coverage for PHP’s vary based on each individual policy and the insurer. Medicare Part B will cover partial hospitalization programs when an eligible physician or qualified mental health professional certifies that there would be a necessity for an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization otherwise. Your plan must include that at least 20 hours of weekly therapeutic services will be provided, including occupational therapy, patient and family education and treatment navigation. The cost of meals, transportation, or any non-therapeutic or recreational activities is not covered by Medicare.
Most private insurance policies will provide coverage for partial hospitalization programs within the behavioral health benefit area, though most of these policies require pre-authorization/verification for use. The Medicaid program in New Jersey and several commercial health insurance plans operate through licensed providers, and will provide reimbursement for PHP’s.
Finding the Right PHP in New Jersey
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a PHP:
Licensure and Accreditation
Look for PHP’s that are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Human Services and accredited by nationally recognized organizations such as the Joint Commission or CARF. Accreditation will ensure that a PHP adheres to evidence-based standards of care and follows appropriate safety protocols.
Qualified Staff
A quality PHP employs board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, registered nurses and certified addiction counsellors. A multi-disciplinary team can address the unique treatment needs of individuals presenting with a co-occurring disorder.
Individualized Treatment Plans
A comprehensive assessment of an individual is conducted, and a personalized treatment plan for each client is developed based on criteria that includes the client’s treatment goals, diagnosis, culture and support system.
Therapies Offered
Make sure the PHP you choose to go to will provide both evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, ACT) along with additional holistic therapies (i.e., mindfulness training, music therapy and/or art therapy). This gives the client a multitude of options for creative expression in addition to evidence-based approaches.
Family Involvement
A PHP committed to providing the highest quality treatment will encourage family members to be involved in the client’s education and/or therapy sessions. Family involvement improves communication and provides a supportive home recovery environment.
Transition and Aftercare Planning
Ask the PHP how the transition plan/step-down services are coordinated, including: intensive outpatient treatment, community resources and support groups. Aftercare planning (step-down) is a vital aspect of sustaining progress
Insurance Acceptance and Financial Policies
Contact the admissions department of the PHP to verify insurance coverage, to receive additional details about potential financial obligations, and to find out if there are any payment plan arrangements available.
Location and Transportation
Consider how far you live from the PHP location and whether or not transportation assistance is provided. In New Jersey, many PHP’s offer shuttle services to help make access to treatment easier for clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About PHP in New Jersey
Take the First Step To a New Life
Attending a PHP can provide a positive transition from an inpatient stay, additional support for someone transitioning from weekly outpatient therapy, or assistance for those individuals who are concurrently managing both mental health and substance use conditions. PHP’s allow you to build your coping skills, strengthen your relationships with family members and make progressive steps toward achieving recovery and wellness. Discuss your options for treatment and aftercare with a healthcare provider, verify with your insurance or payer source your benefit eligibility, and contact Epiphany Wellness to get started with a reputable and exceptional quality PHP in New Jersey.