Program Description
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured, intensive outpatient behavioral health service that provides comprehensive, short-term treatment for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric or substance use symptoms that significantly impair functioning but do not require 24-hour inpatient care. The program is designed to stabilize psychiatric symptoms, reduce substance use behaviors, and prevent hospitalization or re-hospitalization.
PHP is classified under the 2.5 level of care by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and is recognized by DMAS and DBHDS as a medically necessary service for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbance (SED), and/or co-occurring disorders. Services are delivered by an interdisciplinary team of licensed and credentialed professionals and are available up to 20 hours per week, Monday through Thursday typically between 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Admission Criteria (DMAS/DBHDS/ASAM Aligned)
An individual must meet ALL of the following to qualify for PHP services:
1. Clinical Necessity:
The individual is experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms, substance use-related impairments, or a combination that substantially interfere with daily functioning and require active treatment.
Symptoms or behaviors may include:
Frequent or intense mood swings, psychosis, hallucinations, or delusional thinking.
Suicidal ideation without an imminent plan requiring hospitalization.
Significant functional impairments in school, work, or interpersonal relationships.
Continued substance use despite negative consequences or a recent relapse.
2. Level of Care Determination:
Based on the ASAM Criteria, the individual requires services that meet 2.5 PHP level, including:
High severity in Dimension 1 (Acute Intoxication and/or Withdrawal) and/or Dimension 2 (Biomedical Conditions).
Moderate to severe problems in Dimension 3 (Emotional, Behavioral or Cognitive Conditions).
Continued risk of deterioration without structured daily programming.
3. Ability to Participate:
The individual can safely and meaningfully engage in PHP treatment and does not require 24-hour supervision.
The person has adequate support systems or can be safely maintained in the community during non-treatment hours.