Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in San Diego
Bayview Recovery is a leading men‑only addiction treatment center in San Diego, where healing happens with heart, structure, and real-world practice.
In California, nearly 3 million people (9%) currently face a substance use disorder, 4% specifically battling illicit drug dependence, and about 8.5% are carrying the dual burden of SUD plus mental health conditions.
Yet fewer than 13% of those with co‑occurring mental disorders receive dual diagnosis treatment in San Diego that addresses both their mental health and addiction. Meanwhile, here in San Diego, overdose deaths, especially from fentanyl, are rising, while local resources remain scarce: only 100 detox beds countywide, with just two available in the city.
That’s where our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) steps in. It offers intensive daily care similar to inpatient hospitalization, with therapy, psychiatry, peer groups, and life skills, while letting you return to your bed at night. It’s structured, compassionate, and grounded in your everyday world. This is exactly what many men who are caught between levels of care need.
We’ll explore what a partial hospitalization program looks like day-to-day, how it supports both addiction and mental health treatment, and why it may be the most important next step on your path to lasting recovery.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A partial hospitalization program is an intensive, highly structured form of outpatient treatment designed for individuals who need significant daily support but do not require 24-hour inpatient care. It’s often described as the “middle ground” between residential treatment and standard outpatient therapy, offering the same evidence-based therapies and clinical oversight found in inpatient programs, but with the flexibility to return home or to supportive housing in the evenings.
At Bayview Recovery Center, our PHP provides full-day programming, five days per week, focusing on addiction treatment, mental health support, and the development of long-term recovery skills. This model allows clients to immerse themselves in a therapeutic environment during the day, participating in individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric care, and holistic wellness activities, while still having the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in real-life settings outside of program hours.
What are the Benefits of Partial Hospitalization?
Choosing a partial hospitalization program can be a turning point in your recovery journey. At Bayview Recovery Center, we’ve designed our men’s PHP program to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence
Structured Support with Built-In Flexibility
PHP offers a full schedule of therapeutic activities during the day while allowing you to return home or to supportive housing in the evenings.
- Keeps you immersed in a recovery-focused environment for most of the day.
- Allows you to maintain certain aspects of your daily routine, such as family involvement or work transitions.
- Provides a bridge between the structure of inpatient care and the independence of outpatient living.
Higher Level of Care Than Outpatient
For men who need more intensive help than a standard outpatient program provides, PHP delivers:
- Multiple therapy sessions daily, rather than weekly.
- Consistent monitoring of your progress, symptoms, and safety.
- Immediate intervention if setbacks or cravings arise.
Comprehensive, Whole-Person Treatment
Addiction impacts every part of life, so recovery should, too. At Bayview Recovery Center, our PHP includes:
- Evidence-Based Therapies: CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care to address thought patterns and emotional triggers.
- Medical & Psychiatric Support: On-site providers can prescribe and monitor medications, adjust treatment plans, and support mental health needs.
- Holistic Interventions: Yoga, meditation, and wellness practices to reduce stress, improve sleep, and restore balance.
Dual Diagnosis Care for Co-Occurring Disorders
Many men entering PHP are also navigating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Our integrated approach ensures:
- Both addiction and mental health conditions are treated simultaneously.
- Psychiatric care is woven into your daily schedule, not treated as a separate service.
- You will learn coping skills tailored to both substance use and emotional well-being.
Real-World Applications of Recovery Skills
PHP gives you the opportunity to practice what you learn in real life each evening and return the next day for support and feedback.
- Build confidence in managing triggers outside of treatment.
- Strengthen relationships by applying communication skills at home.
- Adjust your coping strategies with the guidance of your treatment team.
Strong Peer Connections and Support
Being surrounded by others who understand your challenges can be a powerful motivator. During a partial hospitalization program, you will:
- Participate in group therapy with peers who share similar goals.
- Give and receive encouragement in a safe, judgment-free environment.
- Build a recovery network that extends beyond your time in treatment.
Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Planning
Our PHP equips you with tools for sustaining recovery long after treatment ends:
- Ongoing relapse prevention planning to anticipate and navigate high-risk situations.
- Education on managing stress, building healthy routines, and creating a support system.
- Step-down planning to transition smoothly into an intensive outpatient program or outpatient care.
Accessible, Compassionate Care
- PHP is often covered by insurance, making it more affordable than inpatient care.
- Our admissions team will handle insurance verification and work with you on the next steps.
- You’ll receive care in a men-only environment, tailored to the unique needs and experiences of male clients.
In short, a partial hospitalization program at Bayview Recovery Center offers the best of both worlds: intensive treatment in a supportive, structured environment, plus the freedom to practice recovery skills in your daily life. This balance makes PHP one of the most effective options for men seeking lasting sobriety and stability.
What Are the Components of a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program is built on a combination of evidence-based therapies, medical support, and holistic approaches that work together to treat addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions. At Bayview Recovery Center, we design each client’s treatment plan to address their unique needs, ensuring that every component of care supports lasting recovery.
Individual Therapy
- Explore the root causes of addiction and mental health challenges.
- Address trauma, unresolved grief, or other life stressors that may contribute to addiction.
- Learn healthy coping skills tailored to your triggers and situations.
- Set realistic, achievable recovery goals and track progress over time.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Encourages self-motivation for change through collaborative conversation.
Group Therapy
Group sessions bring clients together to share experiences, learn from others, and practice social skills in a safe, supportive setting. Benefits include:
- Building a sense of community and belonging.
- Practice open communication without fear of judgment.
- Receiving feedback and encouragement from peers.
- Learning new perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
Group topics often cover: relapse prevention, managing cravings, relationship skills, stress management, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Family Therapy & Education
Our PHP includes ongoing medical oversight to address both physical and mental health needs.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for appropriate cases, such as opioid or alcohol dependence.
- Psychiatric care to manage depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other co-occurring disorders.
- Regular health monitoring to ensure clients are physically stable and able to fully participate in therapy.
Medical & Psychiatric Support
Our PHP includes ongoing medical oversight to address both physical and mental health needs.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for appropriate cases, such as opioid or alcohol dependence.
- Psychiatric care to manage depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other co-occurring disorders.
- Regular health monitoring to ensure clients are physically stable and able to fully participate in therapy.
Psychoeducation & Life Skills Training
Recovery is about more than just stopping substance use—it’s about building a healthy, balanced life.
- Education on addiction science and relapse prevention.
- Time management, goal setting, and financial responsibility.
- Nutrition and wellness planning to support physical recovery.
Holistic & Experiential Therapies
We integrate activities that nurture the mind, body, and spirit alongside clinical care.
- Mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and improve focus.
- Yoga for physical health, relaxation, and emotional regulation.
- Recreational activities that encourage sober fun and creativity.
Relapse Prevention & Aftercare Planning
From day one, our team helps clients prepare for life after PHP.
- Identify high-risk situations and create personalized action plans.
- Connecting clients with ongoing support such as Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Outpatient Programs (OP), and alumni networks.
- Ensuring that every client leaves with a clear roadmap for continued success.
The components of our PHP at Bayview Recovery Center work together to create a comprehensive, multi-layered support system addressing not just the symptoms of addiction, but the whole person behind them.
Who Can Benefit from a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program is suitable for individuals who require a higher level of care than outpatient programs can provide. It is particularly beneficial for those with moderate to severe addiction issues, individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, or those transitioning from inpatient treatment. PHP offers a structured environment where individuals can receive intensive support while gradually transitioning to a lower level of care.
Daily Schedule and Activities in a Partial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization program provides a highly structured, recovery-focused environment that keeps clients engaged from the moment they arrive until the end of the treatment day. At Bayview Recovery Center, our men’s PHP typically runs five days a week for 6–8 hours each day, offering the intensity of inpatient care while allowing you to return home or to supportive housing each evening.
What a Typical Day Might Look Like
While schedules are tailored to each client’s needs, most days follow a consistent rhythm that combines therapeutic, educational, and restorative activities. For example:
- Morning Check-In: A brief group or individual session to set daily intentions, review progress, and identify any immediate needs or challenges.
- Skill-Building & Educational Sessions: Interactive workshops covering topics like relapse prevention, healthy communication, emotional regulation, and goal setting.
- Peer Support Groups: Opportunities to connect, share experiences, and strengthen accountability within a supportive community.
- Holistic & Wellness Activities: Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, light fitness, or guided relaxation to promote physical and emotional balance.
- Recreational & Experiential Activities: Creative or outdoor activities that encourage sober fun, teamwork, and stress relief.
- Daily Wrap-Up: Time to reflect on the day’s progress, set goals for the evening, and prepare for the next session.
Time Commitment
- Frequency: Most clients attend PHP Monday through Friday.
- Duration: 6–8 hours per day, depending on your treatment plan and progress.
- Length of Stay: PHP is often a short-term, intensive level of care, typically lasting several weeks before stepping down to an intensive outpatient program or outpatient (OP) services.
Why This Structure Works
- Predictability helps clients feel safe and focused, reducing anxiety and uncertainty during early recovery.
- Balanced scheduling ensures the day isn’t all clinical work; there’s time for movement, creativity, and self-reflection.
- Consistent daily contact with the treatment team allows for quick adjustments if challenges arise.
By maintaining a steady, recovery-focused routine, our PHP at Bayview Recovery Center helps men strengthen new habits, build confidence, and stay engaged in the healing process, all while preparing for greater independence in the next phase of recovery.
Daily Schedule and Activities in Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
In a partial hospitalization (PHP) program, clients follow a structured daily schedule that includes various activities designed to support their recovery. A typical day in PHP may consist of individual and group therapy sessions, educational workshops, experiential therapies, and holistic practices such as yoga or mindfulness exercises.
The program integrates evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. These approaches empower individuals to develop coping skills, manage triggers, and work towards sustainable recovery.
The Role of Therapy in PHP
Therapy plays a vital role in partial hospitalization programs, offering individuals a safe and supportive space to address their addiction and underlying issues. Individual therapy sessions provide an opportunity to explore personal challenges, set goals, and develop strategies for relapse prevention. Therapists utilize evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Family therapy is also an integral part of the PHP program, as addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy sessions help improve communication, rebuild trust, and foster a supportive and understanding environment for long-term recovery.
Continuity of Care and Aftercare Planning
At Bayview Recovery Center, we prioritize the continuity of care for our clients. As individuals progress through our partial hospitalization program, our team works closely with them to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan. This plan ensures a smooth transition to a lower level of outpatient care.
Additionally, we offer ongoing support through our alumni programs, which provide a network of peers and resources for individuals to rely on during their recovery journey. We understand that maintaining sobriety requires continued support and encouragement, which is why we are committed to providing comprehensive aftercare services.
Insurance Coverage for a Partial Hospitalization Program
We believe that quality addiction treatment should be accessible to all individuals. At Bayview Recovery Center, we accept various insurance plans to help ease the financial burden of paying for a partial hospitalization program. We encourage individuals to contact our admissions team to verify insurance coverage.
The partial hospitalization program at Bayview Recovery Center offers a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment, providing individuals with the support and structure they need to embark on their recovery journey. Each program offers a combination of evidence-based therapies, medical and mental health treatment, and a range of holistic interventions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to seek help and take the first step toward recovery. Contact Bayview Recovery Center today to learn more about our partial hospitalization program and start your journey towards a healthier, happier life.
Partial Hospitalization Program FAQs
Our team of addiction specialists can assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate level of care. Contact us for a personalized consultation.
The duration of treatment can vary depending on individual needs and progress. Our team will work with you to determine the optimal length of treatment.
Yes, family involvement is highly encouraged in our partial hospitalization program. We offer family therapy sessions to facilitate healing and support for both the individual and their loved ones.
After completing PHP, we will work with you to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan, which may include transitioning to an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or outpatient treatment.
Many insurance plans provide coverage for partial hospitalization programs. We recommend verifying your insurance coverage with our admissions team to determine your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Start Your Journey to Recovery Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, take the first step towards a healthier and happier life. Contact Bayview Recovery Center now to explore our comprehensive addiction treatment options and find the support you need. Our team of compassionate professionals is ready to guide you on your journey to recovery.
Don’t let addiction control your life any longer. You deserve a chance at lasting recovery and a brighter future. Contact us today and take the brave step towards a life free from the grip of addiction. Your transformation begins now.
Alyssa is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Master’s degree from San Diego State University. She has experience working with individuals in recovery of all ages for over eight years. Alyssa has also worked with at-risk homeless foster youth transitioning into independent living along with the families in the neonatal intensive care unit at UCSD.