Understanding Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for Mental Health Recovery

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A Partial Hospitalization Program, often called a PHP or Day Treatment Program, provides intensive mental health treatment without requiring a full hospital stay.
Patients typically attend structured therapy sessions during the day—around 30 hours per week—and return home in the evenings.
This level of care offers more support than outpatient therapy while allowing patients to maintain connection to home and family life.

At Lindner Center of Hope, the Mindful Transitions Adult PHP runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Eating Disorders PHP operates from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., including staff-supported meals and snacks.

Who Benefits from a PHP?

A Partial Hospitalization Program may be right for individuals who:

• Need more structure and support than weekly therapy offers
• Do not meet criteria for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization (such as active danger to self or others)
• Are experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma-related symptoms, or other emotional distress affecting daily life
• Are transitioning from inpatient or residential treatment back to home

This option bridges the gap between inpatient care and outpatient therapy, helping participants stabilize symptoms, build coping skills, and practice recovery strategies in real life.

What to Expect in the Lindner Center of Hope PHP

A Structured Day for Healing

Participants attend group-based sessions focused on evidence-based therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT).

They also participate in recreational therapy, music therapy, medication education, pet therapy, and spiritual care.

Supportive Schedule

• Five daily classes (45–50 minutes each) for general PHP
• Ten structured groups daily for the Eating Disorders PHP, including supported meals and community outings
• Psychiatrist or nurse practitioner visits at least once weekly for general PHP and at least twice weekly for Eating Disorders PHP
• Individual meetings with an eating disorder therapist twice weekly

Admission and Eligibility for PHP

To join the program, patients must:

• Have or schedule an appointment with an outpatient prescriber (psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or primary care provider) within 10–14 days after discharge
• Be medically and psychiatrically stable enough to participate safely
• Be voluntary participants (not court-ordered)
• Be able to understand and engage in group material
• Not meet inpatient or exclusionary criteria (e.g., active substance withdrawal, cognitive impairment, or active psychosis)

Referrals can be made by an existing mental health provider, medical provider, or through a Lindner Center of Hope intake assessment by calling 513-536-4673.

What Will You Learn in PHP?

Participants gain skills to manage mental health challenges, including:

• Emotion regulation and distress tolerance
• Mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness
• Healthy coping and relapse prevention
• Understanding and managing medication and wellness habits

These tools help individuals stabilize symptoms, improve daily functioning, and build confidence for ongoing recovery.

What Happens After Completing PHP?

Upon successful completion, many patients transition to continued care such as:

• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – 3 days per week, 9 a.m.–noon (available to Ohio residents)
• Outpatient group therapy at Lindner Center of Hope (in-person and virtual options)
• Resuming care with personal outpatient providers

The PHP team helps coordinate next steps to ensure continuity of care and long-term support.

How Effective Is PHP Treatment?

The Lindner Center of Hope Adult PHP consistently receives patient satisfaction scores between 4.5 and 5 out of 5, reflecting its strong outcomes, supportive environment, and expert care team.

Common Questions About PHP

Q: How is PHP different from inpatient treatment?
A: Inpatient programs require 24-hour care; PHPs allow patients to go home daily while still receiving intensive treatment.

Q: How long do people stay in PHP?
A: Lindner Center of Hope general PHP lasts 10 – 15 days.  Eating Disorder PHP can last for 4 – 6 weeks or more, depending on individual needs and progress.

Q: Does insurance cover PHP?
A: Many insurance plans include partial hospitalization coverage—our staff can help verify benefits.