Key Points:

  • Eligibility for a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) depends on the severity of symptoms, safety, and ability to participate in structured care.
  • Requirements often include medical and psychological evaluations, a recent history of inpatient or outpatient treatment, and stability in living situation.
  • Understanding the criteria helps individuals and families make informed decisions and prepare for the next steps in the recovery journey.

Struggling with a mental health condition or substance use disorder can feel isolating—especially when traditional outpatient care isn’t enough, but full-time hospitalization feels too intense. This is where a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) comes in: a highly structured, supportive treatment option that serves as a middle ground.

But before you or a loved one takes that next step, it’s natural to wonder: What are the actual partial hospitalization program requirements? Who qualifies? How do you know if PHP is the right fit? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the practical eligibility criteria, the standard intake process, and what to expect if you’re considering enrolling in a PHP. 

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a highly structured and focused level of outpatient care for individuals dealing with serious mental health conditions or substance use issues. Patients usually take part in therapy sessions for several hours each day, five to six days a week, while continuing to live at home in the evenings.

This type of program is especially helpful for those who need more intensive support than traditional outpatient services provide but do not need the constant supervision of inpatient hospitalization. PHPs emphasize emotional stabilization, developing coping strategies, therapeutic intervention, and preventing relapse—all delivered in a closely supervised and supportive clinical environment.

Conditions often treated in PHP include:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use disorders

The goal of PHP is to create a safe, supportive environment that helps individuals make significant clinical progress while still maintaining some level of independence.

partial hospitalization program requirements

Who Qualifies for a PHP? Common Eligibility Criteria

Not everyone is the right fit for a PHP. These programs are designed for individuals whose needs fall between inpatient hospitalization and standard outpatient therapy. Determining eligibility involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Here are some of the core partial hospitalization program requirements that treatment centers typically assess.

1. Presence of a Diagnosed Mental Health or Substance Use Condition

To qualify for PHP, a person must have a formal diagnosis from a licensed provider. This may include conditions such as major depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders.

For eating disorders, eligibility often hinges on medical stability (e.g., no acute risk of heart complications or dangerously low body weight), as well as the individual’s ability to engage in therapeutic work.

2. Impairment in Daily Functioning

Participants are often experiencing significant disruptions in their ability to function in daily life. This might include:

  • Difficulty maintaining work or school responsibilities
  • Strained relationships or social isolation
  • Inability to manage emotions or behaviors
  • Increased risk of self-harm or relapse (without immediate medical crisis)

3. Not Requiring 24-Hour Supervision

While PHPs offer close monitoring and clinical care, they are not equipped to manage individuals in acute psychiatric crisis or those who require round-the-clock medical attention.

Someone who is actively suicidal or has recently experienced a medical emergency may need inpatient stabilization before stepping down to PHP.

4. Ability to Commit to a Structured Schedule

Partial hospitalization requires a significant time commitment. Patients typically attend 5–6 hours of programming per day, often five days a week. Candidates must be willing and able to:

  • Attend daily sessions
  • Participate in individual and group therapy
  • Follow treatment plans and homework assignments

Motivation and engagement are critical to progress in PHP. While ambivalence is normal, a baseline level of readiness is important for the program to be effective.

5. Stable Living Environment

Since PHP participants return home at night, a safe and supportive home environment is a key part of eligibility. Individuals who are currently homeless or living in unsafe or triggering environments may be referred to residential or inpatient care instead.

partial hospitalization program requirements

Common Components of the Intake and Assessment Process

If you or a loved one is considering a PHP, the first step usually involves an intake assessment. This process helps providers determine whether a partial hospitalization program is the right level of care.

Clinical Evaluation

A licensed clinician—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed counselor—conducts a comprehensive evaluation. This assessment often includes:

  • A review of psychiatric and medical history
  • Mental status examination
  • Substance use history
  • Assessment of suicide risk or self-harm
  • Functional impairments in daily life

Medical Review

For those dealing with co-occurring disorders (e.g., addiction and anxiety), a medical review may be required. Lab tests or a review of current medications may also be part of the process, especially for eating disorders or detox recovery.

Insurance Verification and Logistics

Practical matters such as insurance coverage, transportation, and scheduling preferences are also reviewed. Many PHPs accept major insurance plans, but coverage varies based on diagnosis and network participation.

Specific Partial Hospitalization Program Requirements for Adolescents vs. Adults

Eligibility criteria can differ depending on the age group the PHP serves. While the foundational principles are the same, there are unique considerations for teens and adults.

For Adolescents

Teen-focused PHPs often involve family therapy and require parental involvement in the treatment process. Additional requirements may include:

  • Attendance in school programming (if offered)
  • Legal guardianship and consent
  • Collaboration with schools and pediatricians

For Adults

Adults are expected to manage their own schedules and demonstrate a level of independence. However, support from loved ones or family may still be encouraged, especially for those with co-occurring disorders or limited support systems.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating PHP Eligibility

Before enrolling in a PHP, consider these practical and personal questions to determine if it’s the right fit:

  • Do my symptoms require more support than weekly therapy?
  • Am I medically stable enough to live at home during treatment?
  • Can I commit to attending structured programming every weekday?
  • Do I have a safe, substance-free place to return to each night?
  • What are my goals for treatment, and is PHP aligned with them?

Having honest answers to these questions will help clarify whether you meet the partial hospitalization program requirements and are prepared for the level of care offered.

Take the Next Step: Start Your Recovery with Compassionate Support

If you or someone you care about is navigating the decision to pursue a partial hospitalization program in Pennsylvania and Ohio, know that help is available and healing is possible.

At New Horizons Recovery Centers, we offer compassionate and comprehensive PHP services tailored to your unique needs. Our team provides structured, evidence-based care in a welcoming environment where progress is made one step at a time.

Whether you're managing a mental health challenge, recovering from substance use, or transitioning from inpatient care, our programs in Pennsylvania and Ohio are designed to bridge the gap between crisis and long-term recovery.

Let’s take that next step together—because you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out today and take your first step toward lasting wellness.