It started like any other argument. Another missed class. Another door slam. Another emotional shutdown. But something shifted that day. My kid—the one I had raised, fought with, cried over, and prayed for—wasn’t just struggling. They were unraveling.
And I couldn’t pretend to hold it together anymore.
That was the day everything fell apart. But it was also the day we found the help we needed.
What helped us put the pieces back together? A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)—and the team at Foundations Group Recovery Center in Upper Arlington.
When the Bottom Falls Out for Parents Too
I’ve never felt more helpless than watching my child—barely an adult—go from moody and anxious to unreachable. It didn’t happen overnight. But the signs piled up:
- Late nights, glazed-over eyes
- Isolation, anger, confusion
- Words that scared me: “What’s the point?” “I don’t care anymore.”
By the time we realized how serious it was, we were in the ER. The clinicians there were calm, but I wasn’t. I remember one nurse saying, “You might want to look into a Partial Hospitalization Program.” I had never heard of it.
But that one sentence opened a door we didn’t know we needed.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program is a short-term, intensive mental health treatment program designed for people who need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require overnight hospitalization.
At Foundations Group Ohio, the program offers a full-day structured environment—typically five days a week. Clients receive therapeutic services, medical support, and group sessions during the day but return home at night.
It’s often the best next step for young adults in acute distress—especially those who are spiraling but still have a desire to recover with some connection to home.
PHP was the bridge between crisis and stability for our family.
What PHP Looked Like for Our Family
Our child spent weekdays in treatment. That meant:
- Daily individual and group therapy
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Structured activities for emotional regulation and social learning
- Access to crisis support during off-hours
- Weekly family sessions to keep us informed and supported
At first, it felt like a lot. But quickly, we saw the difference. They weren’t disappearing into a hospital ward. They were walking out each afternoon a little more grounded.
And for the first time in months, we all slept through the night.
Why PHP Was Exactly What We Needed
Every family is different. But ours was caught in a painful middle. Our teen wasn’t functioning well enough to stay in school or work. But they also weren’t in danger 24/7. We felt like there were only two extremes—do nothing or send them away.
PHP gave us a middle path.
It let them stabilize without being cut off from their life. It gave us the ability to support them—without becoming their only support. And it gave us all the relief of knowing we weren’t winging it anymore.
At Foundations’ Partial Hospitalization Program in Franklin County, Ohio, the care was structured, but not rigid. Empathetic, not indulgent. Honest, but never harsh.
We Weren’t Just “Allowed” to Be Involved—We Were Essential
Too many programs push parents to the sidelines. But at Foundations, we were part of the process.
We were given real updates. We were invited to learn new tools. We had our own sessions to process the fear, the guilt, and the exhaustion that had piled up.
And that mattered. Because when your child is in a behavioral health crisis, you’re in crisis too. Being included didn’t fix everything—but it reminded us that healing didn’t have to happen in silence.
We weren’t alone anymore.
Signs a Partial Hospitalization Program Might Be Right
Every situation is unique, but here are some signs PHP might be a fit:
- Your child is in emotional crisis but doesn’t meet inpatient admission criteria
- Weekly outpatient therapy isn’t enough
- There are safety concerns, but your child isn’t actively suicidal or psychotic
- Substance use is escalating alongside depression or anxiety
- School, work, and relationships are falling apart
- You feel like you’re managing a mental health crisis with no backup
If that sounds familiar, it’s not too early to act. PHP is early intervention, not a last resort.
Looking for a Partial Hospitalization Program in Columbus, Ohio?
The team at Foundations in Columbus understands how fast things can spiral—and how quickly families need support.
They don’t just serve the young adult. They serve the whole system. The whole story.
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about getting your child seen, stabilized, and safely supported back toward their life.
What Happens After PHP?
Recovery doesn’t stop when PHP ends—but by then, we had a foundation. Our child transitioned to an intensive outpatient program, stayed connected with their therapist, and continued medication management.
The team at Foundations helped us plan every step. We didn’t feel like we were falling off a cliff when the program ended. Instead, we felt like we had a path.
And most importantly: our child started to want that path too.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
- You don’t have to wait for a suicide attempt to seek real help
- It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers
- PHP doesn’t mean your child is “broken”—it means they’re worth saving now
- You will feel like you’re failing, even when you’re doing everything right
- Hope doesn’t always look like a miracle. Sometimes it looks like stability
If you’re standing where we were—terrified, unsure, and out of ideas—please hear this: You are not a bad parent. And this does not have to be the end of your story.
FAQs About Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
What’s the difference between PHP and inpatient care?
Inpatient requires a 24/7 stay, usually for medical or safety reasons. PHP offers daily clinical care but allows the person to return home in the evenings.
How long does a typical PHP last?
Most PHPs at Foundations run for 2 to 4 weeks, though this can vary based on progress. The treatment team regularly reassesses to ensure the best outcomes.
What age groups are treated at Foundations?
Foundations serves both adolescents and young adults. The Partial Hospitalization Program is designed to meet age-appropriate developmental and emotional needs.
What conditions does PHP treat?
PHP is ideal for people struggling with:
- Severe anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicidal ideation (non-acute)
- Self-harm
- Co-occurring substance use and mental health symptoms
- Psychotic symptoms (early stages or stabilized)
Do I have to be involved as a parent?
Yes—and it’s encouraged. Family therapy and communication are part of the program because long-term recovery often depends on the strength of the home environment.
Is this confidential?
Absolutely. Foundations follows all HIPAA guidelines, and your child’s privacy is protected throughout care. Communication with family is coordinated with consent.
Does insurance cover PHP?
Many insurance plans do. The Foundations team can help you understand your benefits and handle the verification process.
If you’re watching your child slip away and don’t know what to do—there is help.
Call (888)501-5618 to learn more about our Partial Hospitalization Program services in Upper Arlington, OH.
Because you don’t have to figure this out alone. And your child doesn’t have to keep falling.
