Levels of Care – PHP
Finding Continued Care Through Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Intensive, Structured Day Treatment for Addiction Recovery and Dual Diagnosis
Making the choice to seek help for addiction is among the most important decisions a person can make. At Meridian Recovery in Sewell, New Jersey, we provide an intensive and structured day treatment program for substance addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is designed to give you the high level of clinical support you need while allowing you to remain connected to your home and support system.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides an intensive, structured level of outpatient treatment between inpatient care and an intensive outpatient program.[1] PHP is also referred to as day treatment because clients receive programming for most of the day, usually five to six hours per day, five days a week, before returning home at night.
PHP was designed to assist individuals who need a higher level of care than what a standard outpatient schedule can provide, but who do not need or no longer require 24/7 residential treatment. PHP is clinically intensive and designed to address substance abuse disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, and underlying issues associated with addiction, all while providing programmatic structure to help clients remain connected to their lives and support systems.
For many, PHP serves as a step down from inpatient treatment or detox, providing a bridge of structure as they transition toward independence. For others, PHP is the appropriate entry point into treatment based on their level of substance use and clinical needs. Whether it is a client’s starting point or their next step, PHP provides intensive, evidence-based care that provides a strong foundation for long-term sobriety.
Who Is PHP Right For?
Partial hospitalization is the appropriate level of care for you if you:
- Have recently completed either a medical detoxification or inpatient program and need a step down before transitioning to a less intensive level of care.
- Are entering treatment for the first time and need daily clinical structure and support.
- Are living with co-occurring mental health conditions that require ongoing psychiatric and therapeutic services.
- Have a stable home environment you can return to each evening after intensive daytime programming.
If you are unsure if partial hospitalization is the right level of care for you or for someone you care about, please contact our admissions team, and they will be happy to assist you with the assessment process and answer any questions you may have.
Efficacy of Partial Hospitalization Programs
Research has shown that individuals who engage in intensive treatment programs like PHP often experience improved outcomes compared to lower levels of care.[2] The consistent schedule of therapy, including individual counseling, group sessions, and psychiatric support, helps address both substance use and underlying mental health conditions in a coordinated way. This integrated approach is particularly important for those with dual diagnosis, as untreated mental health symptoms can increase the risk of relapse.[3]
PHP also allows individuals to begin applying recovery skills in real-world settings while still receiving daily clinical guidance. This combination of structure, accountability, and flexibility can lead to stronger engagement in treatment and better long-term stability. For many individuals, PHP serves as a critical step in building a sustainable foundation for recovery and ongoing mental health management.
What to Expect in Our PHP Program
Meridian Recovery’s PHP is based on proven therapies and personalized plans for treatment. Your treatment plan is not a one-size-fits-all plan. Rather, it is created for you based on your specific needs, history, and goals.
Our PHP includes a structured daily schedule that combines multiple therapeutic modalities, giving clients consistent exposure to the clinical tools and recovery skills that support lasting sobriety.
Every therapy session delivered in PHP has a solid clinical foundation and has been shown to be effective in treating substance use and mental health disorders.
Our licensed clinicians draw from a range of modalities so that your treatment plan always addresses your unique needs.
Support for Lasting Recovery
Effective treatment for addiction requires more than therapy. The PHP also includes supportive services and healthy living options to help our clients heal in all areas:
- Medication management: If clinically necessary, psychiatrists will prescribe and monitor medication to help with cravings or manage co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Relapse Prevention Plans: As part of their treatment, each client will develop their own personalized relapse prevention plan to identify their triggers, recognize warning signs, and create a plan for maintaining sobriety should obstacles occur in their everyday lives.
Dual Diagnosis Care
Many people struggling with a substance abuse disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. At Meridian Recovery, you will receive treatment for both disorders simultaneously through an integrated treatment approach.
It is important to note that we do not offer standalone mental health treatment. Our mental health services are only delivered through an integrated dual diagnosis program to ensure that each client is receiving the care they need to treat their addiction and any underlying causes behind it.
Contact Us
Begin Your Recovery at Meridian Recovery Center
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and is looking for a partial hospitalization program in New Jersey, then Meridian Recovery can help.
Located in Sewell, we are easily accessible to anyone in South Jersey, and our admissions team is happy to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and guide you through the next steps toward recovery.
You do not need to navigate this journey on your own. Contact us today so we can help you decide the best next step for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About PHP
Are PHP programs worth it?
For individuals who require a high level of clinical support but do not need to be admitted to a hospital with overnight stays, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is one of the most successful methods of treatment available.[4] PHP has the level of intensity associated with daily programming—individual therapy, group therapy, medication management and skills training—but allows individuals to return home every night. Many individuals find that PHP’s combination of clinical focus and real-world application is what their recovery has needed.
How long do you stay in PHP?
The length of time an individual is in a PHP varies based upon their personal clinical needs and the success of treatment. Each individual has an individualized timeline. At Meridian Recovery, your treatment team monitors your progress through the program and makes the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, so that you remain in PHP as long as it is clinically necessary and transition to a lower level of care when you are ready.
What is the PHP admission process like?
The admissions process for Meridian Recovery’s PHP begins with a phone call. After we verify your insurance benefits, we will perform a complete clinical assessment and develop your individualized treatment plan with you prior to beginning your program. Our ultimate goal is to provide a stress-free and hassle-free experience so that nothing impedes you from receiving the assistance you need.
What happens after a PHP program?
Many patients step into a lower level of care after PHP, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or standard outpatient services. When you begin your treatment, after-care planning will be incorporated into your treatment from day one, so that you will not leave your PHP without a specific plan for your future care needs. Throughout your program, your treatment team will assist you in locating the necessary resources and after-care to help you maintain your sobriety after you leave PHP.
Does PHP count as being hospitalized?
No. Although the term “hospitalization” is used, PHP is an outpatient level of care. PHP programs require clients to attend programming every day but return home at the conclusion of each day’s programming.
Sources
[1] Khawaja, I. S., & Westermeyer, J. J. (2010). Providing crisis-oriented and recovery-based treatment in partial hospitalization programs. Psychiatric Services, 61(2), 214. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2848466/
[2] Rubenson, M. P., Gurtovenko, K., Simmons, S. W., & Thompson, A. D. (2023). Systematic Review: Patient Outcomes in Transdiagnostic adolescent partial Hospitalization programs. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 63(2), 136–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2023.03.022
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Common comorbidities with substance use disorders research report. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571451/
[4] McCarty, D., Braude, L., Lyman, D. R., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Substance abuse intensive outpatient programs: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services, 65(6), 718–726. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4152944/
