
Short answer: A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the most intensive form of outpatient addiction treatment. You attend structured programming for several hours a day, most days of the week, then go home each evening. PHP gives you near full-time treatment without an overnight stay. It is often used as a step down from residential care or a step up from standard outpatient.
- PHP is the most intensive level of outpatient care, just below residential treatment
- You attend treatment most of the day, then return home each evening
- Most PHPs run 20 or more hours a week, often around 30
- It works as a step down from residential or a step up from standard outpatient
- Good fit for people with a stable, safe place to live at home
- Liberty accepts Utah Medicaid, one of the few Utah centers that does
How Many Hours a Week Is PHP?
A partial hospitalization program provides at least 20 hours of structured treatment per week, and many programs run closer to 30. That usually means about 5 to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. You spend most of the day in treatment, then go home or to sober living each evening.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) places PHP at Level 2.5 in its continuum of care. According to ASAM’s criteria, this is the most intensive level of outpatient treatment, sitting just below residential care and above an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
What Happens During PHP?
PHP looks a lot like residential treatment during the day. The difference is you sleep at home. A typical day includes individual therapy, group sessions, education about addiction and relapse, and treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions.
At Liberty, PHP is built around the same trauma-informed, evidence-based approach we use across our programs. That includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and care for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD alongside substance use. Liberty holds a Primary Mental Health facility designation, so both can be treated together.
Who Is PHP Right For?
PHP is a strong fit for people who need a high level of structure and daily clinical support but have a safe, stable place to live. It works well in two situations: stepping down from residential treatment while keeping intensive support, or starting here when standard outpatient is not enough.
It may not be the right fit for someone who needs 24-hour supervision, is in active withdrawal, or does not have a stable home to return to each night. In those cases, residential treatment is usually the better starting point. As someone stabilizes, they often step down from PHP to an intensive outpatient program.
PHP at Liberty
Liberty offers PHP at our outpatient center at 6671 S Redwood Rd, Suite 201, in West Jordan, serving Salt Lake County. It is a way to get serious, structured treatment while staying connected to home and, for many people, keeping some footing in daily life.
Wondering if PHP is covered or whether it is the right level for you? Liberty accepts Utah Medicaid, and our team can help you figure out the right starting point. Use our insurance verification tool or call us to talk it through.
Not sure which level of care fits?
Call Liberty Addiction Recovery Centers and our team will help you find the right starting point. Or check your insurance online in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PHP and IOP?
Both let you live at home, but PHP is more intensive. PHP runs 20 or more hours a week, often around 30, with about 5 to 6 hours of programming a day. IOP runs about 9 to 19 hours a week across fewer days. PHP is usually the step before IOP as someone stabilizes in recovery.
Is PHP the same as inpatient treatment?
No. Inpatient or residential treatment means living on-site with 24-hour supervision. PHP provides a similar intensity of daytime treatment, but you go home each evening. PHP is the most intensive outpatient option, one step below residential care.
How long does a PHP last?
It varies by person. Many PHPs run a few weeks, but length is based on clinical progress rather than a fixed number of days. Some people step down to IOP after a couple of weeks, while others stay longer if they need more support.
Does Medicaid cover PHP in Utah?
Yes. Liberty accepts Utah Medicaid as an in-network provider, and Medicaid typically covers medically necessary PHP treatment. Use our insurance check tool to verify your specific benefits, or call (801) 997-9183.






