Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in San Diego

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a highly structured, day-treatment program designed for individuals facing significant mental health or substance use challenges. Clients attend programming five days a week, receiving a full spectrum of therapeutic services including individual counseling, group therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management. At Golden Coast Rehab in San Diego, PHP offers the intensity of inpatient care while allowing clients to return home each evening—making it ideal for those transitioning from residential treatment or needing more than standard outpatient support.

PHP sits at the higher end of the continuum of care, offering more intensive support than an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) but without the requirement for overnight stays. It is one of the most clinically effective levels of care for individuals who need daily therapeutic structure to achieve lasting recovery.

What to Expect in Our PHP

Each client receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their goals, diagnoses, and personal circumstances. Our team works closely with you to ensure care is comprehensive, coordinated, and healing at every level.

• 5-day-a-week therapeutic programming (typically 5–6 hours/day)
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Psychiatric care, medication management, and wellness education
• Evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care
• Holistic wellness activities and life skills development
• Regular progress reviews and treatment plan adjustments

What Does a Typical Day in PHP Look Like?

One of the most common questions we hear from prospective clients and their families is: what does a day in PHP actually look like? At Golden Coast Rehab, our PHP schedule is designed to be both clinically intensive and personally sustainable.

A typical day in our San Diego PHP program includes:

• Morning check-in: A brief group session to set intentions and address any immediate concerns
• Group therapy: Evidence-based therapeutic group sessions covering coping skills, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention
• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with your primary therapist to work through personal goals and underlying issues
• Psychoeducation: Educational sessions on mental health, addiction, and wellness strategies
• Skill-building workshops: Practical tools for stress management, communication, and daily functioning
• Afternoon wrap-up: Reflection and planning for the evening ahead

Clients return home each evening, allowing them to apply new skills in their real-world environment while maintaining the support of family and community.

Conditions Treated in Our PHP

Golden Coast Rehab's Partial Hospitalization Program in San Diego is equipped to treat a wide range of mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders, including:

• Depression and mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety)
• PTSD and trauma-related conditions
• Bipolar disorder
• Substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions (dual diagnosis)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

If you are unsure whether your condition is appropriate for PHP, our admissions team is available to answer your questions and guide you to the most suitable level of care.

PHP vs. IOP: What Is the Difference?

Understanding where PHP fits in the continuum of care can help you make the right decision for your recovery. Here is how our Partial Hospitalization Program compares to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):

• PHP: 5 days per week, 5–6 hours per day — higher intensity, ideal for step-down from inpatient or those needing daily structure
• IOP: 3 days per week, 3 hours per day — more flexible, ideal for those with stable home environments who need continued support

PHP is typically recommended when symptoms are too severe for standard outpatient care but do not require 24-hour supervision. If you have recently completed a residential program, PHP is often the natural next step. Our clinical team conducts a thorough assessment at intake to determine the most appropriate level of care for your individual needs.

Does Insurance Cover PHP?

In many cases, yes. Partial Hospitalization Programs are covered by most major insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurers are required to cover mental health and substance use treatment at the same level as physical health conditions.

At Golden Coast Rehab, our admissions team will conduct a free insurance verification on your behalf before you begin treatment. We will clearly explain your benefits, any out-of-pocket costs, and all financial options available to you — so there are no surprises. Contact our admissions team today to verify your coverage for our PHP program.

Is PHP Right for You?

Our Partial Hospitalization Program is ideal for individuals stepping down from inpatient care, or those whose symptoms require daily support but not overnight monitoring. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or at risk of relapse, PHP provides the structure and stability needed for meaningful progress.

PHP may be the right fit if you:

• Have recently completed a residential or inpatient program and need continued structure
• Are experiencing significant mental health symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
• Have a stable, supportive home environment to return to each evening
• Need a higher level of care than weekly therapy but do not require overnight monitoring
• Are managing a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder

At Golden Coast Rehab in San Diego, you will be met with expert care, a supportive environment, and a plan that honors both your recovery and your real-world responsibilities.

How to Get Started with PHP at San Diego treatment center

Taking the first step toward structured healing is one of the most important decisions you will make. Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward, compassionate, and fast — so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Here is how to get started:

• Step 1: Contact our admissions team by phone or through our online form
• Step 2: Complete a free, confidential clinical assessment
• Step 3: We verify your insurance and review all financial options
• Step 4: Receive a personalized treatment plan and your start date

Our team is available to answer any questions you have about our PHP program, what to expect, or how to help a loved one get the care they need. Reach out today — healing is possible, and it starts here.