Center for Psychiatry and Mental Wellness

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP is an intensive, structured, outpatient treatment program providing primary mental health services to adults 18 years and older with acute psychiatric illnesses. The treatment is provided by an interdisciplinary team of psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and other professional staff for individuals who may be effectively treated in an outpatient setting.

How is PHP treatment helpful?

PHP can be an important step-down for those who have completed inpatient psychiatric treatment or for those who can avoid inpatient treatment by attending a PHP. It can also be helpful for suicidal thoughts, symptoms that are difficult to self-manage, emotional crises, difficulty functioning in day-to-day activities, and other debilitating behavioral health issues that require a more intensive level of care than traditional outpatient therapy.

What conditions can be treated?

Depressive Disorders Trauma Bipolar Disorders Anxiety Disorders Stress Personality Disorders

What does PHP treatment consist of?

• Psychotherapeutic groups provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Psycho-educational groups and skill-building
• Medication management by a Psychiatrist
• Nursing care
• Individualized treatment planning
• Individual and family therapy sessions available

Program Eligibility Criteria

• Able to attend the PHP program daily and can start immediately
• Motivated for treatment
• Experiencing an acute rather than a chronic mental health condition, or with acute exacerbation of symptoms
• Severely functionally impaired in activities of daily living
• Able to provide for basic needs
• Likely to require a higher level of care in the absence of PHP
• Substance use is not the primary problem/diagnosis
• Not experiencing imminent safety concerns that might necessitate a higher level of care

Referral Process

For individuals who currently receive care at MAHEC, please ask your medical or psychiatric provider to submit a PHP referral on your behalf.

For individuals who are new to MAHEC services, please use the link below to complete the psychiatry referral form. Make sure to include the name "Partial Hospital Program (PHP)" on the referral form.