There’s a moment no parent prepares for—when the fear shifts from “Will they get in trouble?” to “Will they survive this?” Maybe your adult child has relapsed. Maybe you’re watching them spiral and wondering how much longer they can function like this. You want help. Real help. But you’re unsure what level of care makes sense—or how to talk them into it.
If inpatient feels too extreme, but weekly therapy isn’t cutting it, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) might be the answer. Let’s walk through what it actually looks like, what it isn’t, and why it could be the right next step.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A PHP is a highly structured, full-day treatment program that provides intensive clinical care without requiring an overnight stay. At Foundations Group Recovery Centers in Columbus, Ohio, our PHP offers:
- 5 days a week of treatment
- 6 hours of programming per day
- Individual therapy, group therapy, and skill-building
- Ongoing psychiatric support and medication management if needed
- Trauma-informed care and evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT
The Partial Hospitalization Program in Ohio is designed for adults who need more than outpatient therapy, but don’t require 24/7 inpatient monitoring. Think of it as a short-term, high-impact reset—a way to break the cycle and build stability.
PHP can also serve as a step-down from residential treatment, helping individuals transition back into daily life with structure and support. It provides enough intensity to stabilize crises, but enough flexibility to maintain life outside the program.
What a Typical Day in PHP Actually Looks Like
A PHP day isn’t just sitting in a chair all day talking about feelings. It’s active, engaging, and intentional. Your adult child will:
- Attend morning check-ins and mindfulness sessions to ground the day
- Participate in evidence-based group therapy (CBT, DBT, relapse prevention)
- Meet individually with a licensed therapist at least once a week
- Work on life skills, emotional regulation, and practical coping tools
- Receive medical and psychiatric care when needed
There are scheduled breaks, lunch, and time for rest—but every part of the day is aimed at restoring function and building new habits.
Over time, participants begin to understand their triggers, explore underlying mental health challenges, and gain new strategies to cope. It’s not always easy work—but it’s guided, accountable, and held in a supportive environment.
Why PHP Can Work When Other Levels Haven’t
Your child may have already tried weekly therapy, detox, or even inpatient care. PHP fills a critical gap:
- Structure without total separation. They can sleep at home or in supportive housing, but their days are fully engaged.
- Real-life integration. Because they’re not cut off from the world, they learn how to manage real-life stress in real-time.
- Focused intensity. PHP moves faster and deeper than outpatient care, but it’s not as overwhelming as full residential.
It also removes the isolation factor that sometimes occurs with residential treatment. Your child remains part of their world, while actively learning how to navigate it sober and mentally stable.
At Foundations, our care teams collaborate closely to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed. The goal is not just recovery, but sustainable wellness. That includes mental, emotional, and even physical health.
It’s Not Just Treatment—It’s Stabilization
If your adult child is struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, or all of the above, PHP provides a container for stability. It creates:
- Predictable routine: crucial for emotional and neurological healing
- Safe accountability: they’re not left alone to manage triggers
- Therapeutic intensity: multiple hours a day to address core issues, not just symptoms
Mental health and substance use disorders often exist together. One fuels the other. PHP addresses both simultaneously—not as a side note, but as an integrated part of care.
That means someone with opioid use disorder and depression doesn’t have to choose what gets treated first. They can work on both, every day, with experts who understand how they intersect.
What Parents Can Expect (And How to Stay Involved)
At Foundations Group Recovery Centers, we believe healing isn’t isolated. While your child is in PHP, you can expect:
- Regular updates from their treatment team (with your child’s consent)
- Family therapy opportunities to rebuild trust and communication
- Education about substance use, mental health, and boundaries
You’re not expected to be their therapist. But you are part of the system that shapes recovery. And we support you, too. Family work might include:
- Learning how to communicate without enabling
- Understanding how trauma and substance use are linked
- Building a new family narrative rooted in accountability and care
This part of the process can be hard. But it’s often where the most lasting healing begins.
FAQs About Partial Hospitalization Programs
Q: How do I know if PHP is the right level of care for my child?
A: If outpatient therapy isn’t enough, but your child doesn’t need full residential care, PHP provides intensive support while maintaining real-world connection. A professional assessment can help determine the best fit.
Q: Will my child be safe during PHP?
A: Yes. Safety is a top priority. PHP includes daily clinical monitoring, medication support if needed, and constant check-ins. It’s structured without being locked down.
Q: Can my child live at home during PHP?
A: Often, yes—if the home environment is supportive. If not, we can help connect them with safe transitional housing options during treatment.
Q: How long does PHP usually last?
A: The average length is 2 to 4 weeks, but it varies based on individual needs. Some stay longer to solidify progress before stepping down to IOP or outpatient care.
Q: What if my child refuses treatment?
A: You’re not alone. Many parents face resistance. We can guide you in having that conversation—and help you understand your options even if your child isn’t ready today.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to keep watching this unfold alone. If you’re wondering whether a partial hospitalization program could help your adult child, let’s talk it through.
Call Foundations Group Recovery Centers Ohio at (888) 501-5618 or Contact Us We’re here to help you and your family find clarity—and relief.
