Structured day treatment
Ambrosia’s Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A highly structured day program with intensive therapy and psychiatric support — more than outpatient offers, without round-the-clock supervision.
About this program
Partial hospitalization program
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the intermediate level of care between residential treatment and outpatient therapy. It provides intensive therapeutic support for mental health and substance use disorders while allowing people to keep parts of their daily life in place.
PHP works as a bridge for people stepping down from inpatient care and as a standalone program for people whose situation calls for significant structure without 24-hour supervision. Treatment plans are individualized, and the goal is a working transition back into daily life — not just time in a chair.
Adult PHP runs at Ambrosia’s West Palm Beach and Singer Island programs. Adolescent PHP is available in Port St. Lucie through Neuroscience Institute for Adolescents (NIA) for mental health and The Academy for substance use disorders. Both adolescent programs also offer residential and intensive outpatient care.
How the program is structured
PHP follows a structured treatment-day schedule. Ask admissions for the current days, hours, and attendance requirements for the specific adult or adolescent program. The timetable should be clear before you arrange work, school, or transportation.
Days combine group therapy, individual sessions, and psychoeducation, addressing the psychological, emotional, and social sides of recovery rather than any single one.
What treatment includes
- Evidence-based therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy and related modalities that work on the thought patterns underneath the symptoms.
Skill building
Mindfulness practice, stress management, and relapse-prevention strategies — practical tools for managing symptoms outside the program.
- Peer support
Group sessions with people navigating similar struggles. The camaraderie is real, and so is the accountability.
- Family involvement
Family therapy and educational workshops that equip loved ones to support recovery instead of guessing at it.
Psychiatric care
Medication evaluation and management from prescribers who know the full clinical picture.
- Aftercare planning
An individualized plan for discharge — outpatient therapy, support groups, or sober living — built before the last day, not after it.
Who PHP is right for
PHP fits people who need more support than weekly outpatient therapy provides but do not require overnight supervision. It is a common next step after detox or residential treatment, and a strong starting point when symptoms are serious but stable.
PHP does not include overnight clinical supervision. Discuss the planned living environment, transportation, and support outside program hours as part of the assessment. If more support is needed, the team can discuss another level of care.
Adult and adolescent PHP at Ambrosia
Adult PHP is available through Ambrosia’s West Palm Beach and Singer Island programs. The appropriate location depends on the person’s clinical needs and the program recommended after assessment.
- Adult mental health care
Explore the Neuroscience Institute in West Palm Beach and discuss the appropriate day-treatment pathway with admissions.
- Adult addiction and dual-diagnosis care
Explore Ambrosia Treatment Center on Singer Island and ask how PHP connects with residential and outpatient care.
- Adolescent mental health: NIA
Neuroscience Institute for Adolescents provides mental health care at residential, PHP, and IOP levels.
- Adolescent substance use: The Academy
The Academy in Port St. Lucie provides adolescent substance use treatment at residential, PHP, and IOP levels.
PHP, IOP, or residential treatment?
Residential treatment includes an overnight stay. PHP provides a structured treatment day, while IOP generally involves fewer scheduled treatment hours. The assessment determines which level is appropriate; you do not have to begin at the most intensive level or move through every program.
- Compare intensive outpatient care
Review how IOP works and discuss whether its schedule and support match your current needs.
- Plan the practical details
Ask about the daily timetable, where you will stay, transportation, meals, medication appointments, family involvement, and how progress is reviewed.
- Understand insurance benefits
Check benefits for the specific program, authorization requirements, and potential out-of-pocket costs. Ask what changes if the level of care changes.
After PHP
PHP stabilizes people and addresses the underlying issues, but recovery continues past discharge. Most people step down to intensive outpatient care, then to standard outpatient therapy, with aftercare support in place at each stage so the structure tapers instead of disappearing.
Ready to talk with admissions?
Admissions is available 24/7 to answer questions about mental health and substance use treatment options.