Key Takeaways
- A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers intensive daytime treatment for addiction and other mental health needs without an overnight stay.
- Telehealth options provide flexibility and comfort while maintaining the same clinical standards as in-person care.
- Planning ahead (logistics, support, and understanding the program) helps reduce stress and improve engagement in treatment.
- Bring essentials like ID, medications, and comfortable clothing; check with the program about permitted and prohibited items.
- Expect a structured first day with check-in, goal-setting, group sessions, and introductions to your care team.
- PHP days combine therapy, skill practice, and medical support during daytime hours, with evenings reserved for family or work.
- Most insurance plans cover PHP under mental-health parity laws; verify coverage and bring your insurance card to your first session.
- Duration varies by individual progress; some complete PHP in a few weeks, while others need longer support.
- Many people transition from PHP to intensive outpatient care to maintain recovery and strengthen life balance.
- Zelus Recovery’s Meridian center provides accessible, compassionate PHP care for adults and adolescents across the Boise area.
If you are considering addiction treatment, you may give thought to a partial hospitalization program, also called a PHP. Zelus Recovery’s partial hospitalization program in Boise, Idaho is here to help both adults and adolescents in addiction recovery. Our program is designed to provide intensive treatment in a safe and secure environment that allows for flexibility and the ability to return home each day. To learn more about our PHP in Idaho, call us at 208.518.0797, or contact us online today.
What is a partial hospitalization program?
A partial hospitalization program is a structured form of outpatient care for individuals managing a substance use disorder and, in some cases, a co‑occurring mental health disorder. PHP typically involves several hours of services per day, often five days a week, and you return home in the evenings. This level of care provides intensive treatment while avoiding an overnight stay, which distinguishes it from inpatient care. Partial hospitalization programs generally include group work, individual therapy, skills practice, and psychiatric care, within a supportive setting.
You can learn more about the standard levels of care, including intensive outpatient and residential care, from SAMHSA’s summary of types of treatment.
Telehealth PHP
At Zelus Recovery, we want people to undergo addiction treatment on their own terms. Whether patients opt for telehealth or face‑to‑face outpatient therapy, the goal is to provide comfort and meet the same standards of care. Our team has training in telehealth so patients who engage online can participate in therapy sessions, skills groups, and treatment plan reviews with the same attention to safety and privacy as those attending on-site.
Partial hospitalization program preparation
If you are attending in-person, good preparation is essential, because the first days set the tone for your journey. Partial hospitalization program preparation often includes:
- Understanding what the program encompasses to reduce anxiety about the process.
- Establishing a support network of friends, family members, or mentors who can provide emotional support.
- Making logistical arrangements, such as arranging childcare and planning your commute.
- Discussing whether medical detoxification is needed before PHP, then proceeding as advised. If detox is recommended, learn more about our Boise detox programs.
- Expecting a structured mix of group and individual therapy, skills practice, and treatment for co‑occurring conditions.
Mental and logistical preparation can enhance engagement, help you respond to challenges that arise, and reduce the likelihood of setbacks during recovery.
What to bring to a PHP program
Here is what to bring to a PHP program to make the first week smoother:
- Government ID, insurance card, and any required paperwork to review
- A current medication list, doses, and prescriber contact, plus medications in original containers if instructed
- Comfortable clothing in layers, closed‑toe shoes, and any assistive devices you use daily
- A notebook and pen to capture treatment goals, coping mechanisms, and self management skills
- A refillable water bottle and a light snack
- Phone and charger if allowed, so you can connect with loved one during breaks
- Contact numbers for family members or friends in case staff needs to discuss logistics
If you have questions about items that are permitted, review details with our admissions team before you begin.
What to wear and how to set yourself up for comfort
Choose comfortable layers that allow for easy movement during skills groups. Avoid strong fragrances and distracting logos. Bring a sweater or light jacket, since group rooms can feel cool, and plan for Idaho’s changing weather when you proceed to and from the center.
What to expect on your first day at Zelus Recovery
On your first day you will check in, complete intake forms, and meet with a therapist. The therapist will review your history, discuss safety, and identify initial treatment goals. You will also:
- Review the day’s schedule and group guidelines.
- Respond to brief questionnaires that help the team tailor your care.
- Meet peers and staff to build connections and ease first‑day jitters.
- Begin a combination of group work and individual therapy, focused on strategies that help you manage cravings, strengthen stress management, and develop tools for daily life.
- If appropriate, schedule a first family touchpoint so loved ones understand how to support you.
Our team will explain how to engage in sessions, when breaks occur, and how to proceed if responsibilities arise during the day.
Daily structure and schedule in PHP
A PHP is structured so you can attend for several hours, then return home to practice skills and maintain independence. A typical day may include:
- Morning check‑in and skills group to review goals and respond to any overnight challenges.
- Psychoeducation and skills practice on topics like relapse prevention, grounding, and healthy connection.
- Individual therapy or a brief medical visit, depending on your treatment plan.
- Afternoon process group to discuss progress, review coping strategies, and plan the evening.
- End‑of‑day reflection to enhance self-awareness and plan how you will manage triggers before the next session.
Many patients find that the combination of intensive care during the day and home responsibilities in the evening helps them proceed toward recovery while staying connected to family and school or work.
Insurance and costs
Coverage varies by plan, and benefits can differ for each employer or insurer. Many plans must follow mental health parity rules that require mental health and substance use benefits to be comparable to medical and surgical benefits. For an overview of parity protections, see the U.S. Department of Labor’s page on mental health parity.
Steps to proceed with verification:
- Contact the number on your insurance card to ask about partial hospitalization benefits and any prior authorization.
- Ask about copays, deductibles, and out‑of‑pocket limits for this level of care.
- Bring your card on day 1 so our team can review details with you and assist with next steps.
If you have questions about using insurance for a PHP, contact Zelus Recovery or call 208.518.0797, and we will discuss options with you. You can also fill out our insurance verification form.
How long do people stay in a PHP?
Length of stay is individualized. Some patients complete a PHP in a few weeks, while others need more time based on clinical needs, progress toward treatment goals, and how they respond to the structured program. Your therapist will review progress with you and discuss when you are ready to transition to a less intensive form of outpatient care.
Step‑down care and long-term recovery support
As you meet goals, many individuals step down to an intensive outpatient level to continue building self-management skills with fewer daytime hours. Learn about our intensive outpatient program in Idaho. Ongoing recovery may include continued individual therapy, family sessions to strengthen connection, and community recovery supports. This stepwise transition helps you proceed safely while maintaining momentum.
How Zelus Recovery’s PHP serves Boise and the Treasure Valley
Our Meridian location serves adults and adolescents across the Boise area, including families in Eagle, Nampa, and Kuna. We are about 20 minutes from Boise State University and about 15 minutes from St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center and downtown Boise, with quick access to I‑84. Free parking is available, and telehealth options help those traveling from farther away engage with services when appropriate. We aim to assist each person in a welcoming setting that values dignity, privacy, and community connection.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a good fit for a PHP?
A PHP can be a good fit for someone who needs intensive treatment during the day but does not require an overnight stay. It can be a step‑down from inpatient or residential care, or a step‑up from standard outpatient therapy when symptoms are more acute.
Will I miss work or school?
Yes, you will attend for multiple hours on treatment days, so plan with your employer or school. Our team can provide attendance documentation and help you review strategies to manage responsibilities in the evening.
Can my family be involved?
Family members often play a helpful role. With your consent, the team can schedule family sessions to improve communication, strengthen support, and discuss practical aspects of your treatment plan.
What therapies are included?
Your plan may include group work, individual therapy, and skills training. To see examples of therapies used in our programs, visit our page on addiction treatment therapy.
Do I need detox before starting?
Some patients begin PHP after completing a medical detox program, while others do not need it. If detox is recommended for safety, our team will discuss proceeding and can connect you to our Boise detox programs before you start PHP.
Get started with Zelus Recovery
Deciding to participate in a PHP is a significant step toward recovery. Our program includes treatment for co‑occurring conditions, group therapy, individual therapy, and an emphasis on the family’s role in recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and considering a PHP, contact Zelus Recovery online today, call 208.518.0797, or learn more about our PHP program in Boise. We are here to assist you as you begin the process, so you can proceed with confidence.
