Understanding what a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can be very helpful for a veteran or active military member deciding what level of addiction recovery treatment may be most appropriate. Read on to learn about what an outstanding PHP program looks like and factors to consider in choosing one.
What Is a PHP?
Although the name PHP includes the word hospitalization, it doesn’t usually mean a hospital setting. PHPs for addiction treatment can be located in various settings, each offering structured care while allowing patients to return home at night.
Each location has unique advantages, such as medical support (hospital-based), affordability (community centers), or specialized care (dual-diagnosis clinics). The best choice depends on the patient’s needs, severity of addiction, and available resources.
Possible locations include:
- Standalone Addiction Treatment Centers.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers.
- Hospitals (Medical or Psychiatric Units).
- Mental Health Clinics.
- Community Health Centers.
- Rehabilitation Facilities (Inpatient/Outpatient Hybrids).
- University or Teaching Hospitals.
- Private Practices or Group Therapy Offices.
- Recovery Community Centers.
- Virtual-Based PHPs (Hybrid or Fully Remote).
How PHP Fits Between Inpatient and Outpatient Care
A PHP bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment. It provides structured, intensive care (6-8 hours/day, 5-7 days/week) like inpatient residential treatment (rehab) but allows patients to return home at night.
PHPs are ideal for those who need medical supervision, therapy, and skill-building but don’t require 24/7 hospitalization. They serve as a step-down from inpatient (preventing relapse) or a step-up from outpatient (if symptoms worsen). Services include group/individual therapy, medication management, and relapse prevention, offering more support than standard outpatient care but greater flexibility than residential treatment.
Who Benefits from This Level of Support
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) benefit individuals who need intensive addiction or mental health treatment but don’t require 24/7 inpatient care. Key candidates include:
- Those transitioning from inpatient rehab: Helps prevent relapse with structured support.
- High-risk outpatients: For people whose addiction or mental health symptoms are too severe for traditional outpatient therapy.
- Dual-diagnosis patients: Ideal for those with both addiction and mental health disorders (e.g., depression, PTSD).
- Individuals needing medical oversight: For withdrawal management or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
- People with unstable home environments: Provides daily structure while allowing evenings at home.
PHP offers intensive therapy, skill-building, and medical care while maintaining some daily independence.
Why PHP Programs Are Effective for Veterans in Crisis
PHPs are highly effective for veterans or active-duty military members experiencing addiction, PTSD, or mental health crises because they provide structured, trauma-informed care while allowing flexibility.
Many veterans struggle with co-occurring disorders, such as substance use and PTSD, which PHPs address through integrated treatment—combining therapy, medication management, and peer support.
PHPs offer military-sensitive therapies, like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Restructuring (EMDR), tailored to combat trauma. The daily structure (6-8 hours/day) helps veterans rebuild routines, reducing isolation and relapse risks.
Unlike inpatient care, PHPs allow veterans to return home at night, maintaining family connections while receiving intensive treatment.
Additionally, VA-affiliated PHPs provide specialized resources, including benefits counseling and veteran peer groups, fostering camaraderie and trust. The step-down approach (from inpatient) or step-up support (from outpatient) ensures continuity of care, crucial for long-term recovery.
By blending clinical rigor with personal autonomy, PHPs help veterans regain stability without full hospitalization.
Addressing PTSD, Depression, and Substance Use
The connection between PTSD, depression, and substance use is well-documented and often forms a vicious cycle where each condition worsens the others. Here’s how they interact [1] [2] [3]:
- PTSD and Substance Use
Many individuals with PTSD (especially veterans, assault survivors, and first responders) turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, numbing traumatic memories, flashbacks, or hypervigilance. Over time, this leads to dependency, as substances temporarily relieve symptoms but ultimately worsen PTSD by disrupting emotional regulation and sleep.
- Depression and Substance Use
Depression often co-occurs with PTSD due to chronic stress, guilt, or hopelessness linked to trauma. People with depression may use substances to escape sadness or fatigue, but long-term use depletes dopamine, worsening depressive symptoms.
- The Triad: PTSD + Depression + Addiction
PTSD and depression share neurological pathways (e.g., altered serotonin/norepinephrine), making individuals more prone to addiction. Substance use impairs coping skills, deepening PTSD/depression, while trauma and low mood increase cravings, trapping individuals in a self-destructive loop.
Treatment Implications
Effective care requires integrated therapy (e.g., trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, MAT) to break this cycle. Addressing all three conditions together leads to better recovery outcomes.
The Importance of Daily Structure and Medical Supervision
The daily structure of PHP provides safety and stability to those in recovery. This helps provide a secure foundation for the healing work to overcome addiction.
How Detox Connects to PHP Programs
Detox (detoxification) is the first step in PHP for those who have not yet undergone and completed withdrawal.
Why Detox Is Often the First Step
Detoxification (detox) is typically the initial phase of recovery because it safely manages withdrawal symptoms while clearing addictive substances from the body. Detox tackles the physical grip of addiction first, creating a stable foundation for comprehensive treatment.
Here’s why it’s an important first step:
- Medical Safety and Stabilization
- Stopping Physical Dependence and Managing Cravings
- Preparing for Psychological Treatment
- Gateway to Long-Term Care
Transitioning from Detox to a PHP Setting
After completing medical detox, individuals are physically stabilized but still vulnerable to relapse and emotional turmoil. Transitioning directly into a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) bridges the gap between acute medical care and long-term recovery by providing structured, intensive therapy while allowing gradual reintegration into daily life. Here’s why this step is essential:
- Continuity of Care
- Intensive Therapeutic Support
- Medical & Psychiatric Oversight
- Flexible Yet Controlled Environment
- Peer Support & Community Building
Therapies and Support Offered in PHP Programs
A range of evidence-based therapy approaches are available, depending on the PHP. These may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
Group Therapy and Peer Connection
It’s difficult to go it alone when dealing with substance use disorder. Group therapy is an essential part of the program, providing the opportunity to process difficult material with the support of peers and a licensed therapist or counselor. As well, it provides a supportive environment to share personal stories and experiences in recovery.
Medication Management and Holistic Approaches
Medication management is provided to monitor health and recovery, as well as to administer any supportive prescribed medications. Holistic approaches focused on healthy nutrition, exercise, mindfulness meditation and outdoor activities provide breadth and variety in PHP activities.
Choosing the Right PHP for Veterans
Veterans may prefer a facility specialized in veterans’ needs and with an understanding of military culture.
What to Look for in Veteran-Focused Facilities
The best veteran and active-duty military focused facilities blend military-cultural awareness, trauma care, and peer support with flexible, evidence-based treatment. Whether opting for a VA program, nonprofit veteran center, or private clinic, ensure the approach is veteran-centric, not just veteran-friendly.
When seeking treatment for veterans struggling with substance use, PTSD, depression, or other service-related challenges, specialized care is critical. Here are key elements to prioritize in a veteran-focused facility:
1. Military-Cultural Competence
- Staff with military/veteran experience: Clinicians who understand rank structure, deployment stress, and military jargon build trust faster.
- Trauma-informed care: Focus on moral injury, combat PTSD, and military sexual trauma (MST) with evidence-based therapies (CPT, EMDR, PE).
- VA collaboration: Facilities that work with the Department of Veterans Affairs ensure seamless access to benefits, service-connected disability claims, and VA resources.
2. Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Veterans often face co-occurring addiction plus PTSD/depression/anxiety. Look for:
- Integrated treatment plans: (simultaneous mental health & addiction care).
- Medication management: (e.g., MAT for opioids/alcohol, SSRIs for depression).
- Therapies for moral injury & survivor’s guilt (common in combat vets).
3. Veteran-Specific Peer Support
- Group therapy with fellow veterans: Reduces isolation and fosters camaraderie.
- Veteran mentors/peer specialists: Those in long-term recovery can model success.
- 12-step or alternative groups: (e.g., AA meetings for veterans, Vet Centers).
4. Structured Yet Flexible Programming
- PHPs or IOPs with veteran tracks: Allow intensive care while maintaining family/work commitments.
- Transition support: Job placement, housing assistance, and reintegration skills.
- Family therapy: Addresses relationship strain post-deployment.
5. Accessibility & Practical Support
- TRICARE/VA-covered: Ensure the facility accepts military insurance or VA Community Care referrals.
- Transportation assistance: Many veterans face mobility or financial barriers.
- Crisis intervention: Suicide prevention protocols (veterans are at 1.5x higher risk than civilians).
VA Resources, Benefits, and Support Groups
VA Resources
- VA Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Programs
- Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Addiction Services
- VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) with SUD Specialty Care
- www.va.gov/find-locations (Search for “SUD treatment”)
- VA Community Care Network (CCN) for Outside Treatment
- VA Telehealth Services for Remote SUD Treatment
VA Benefits for Addiction Treatment
- VA Priority Group 1 Coverage for SUD Services
- Service-Connected Disability Claims for Addiction-Related Conditions
- Veterans Choice Program for Expanded Care Options
- VA Travel Pay Reimbursement for Treatment Appointments
- Specialized Homeless Veterans Programs (with SUD Support)
Veteran-Specific Support Networks
- VA Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling for Combat Vets)
- VA Peer Support Specialists (Recovered Veterans as Mentors)
- Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1)
- VA S.T.A.R. Program (Women Veterans’ Recovery Support)
- VA Whole Health Initiative (Mind-Body Approaches to Recovery)
- Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) for Legal Support
- VA Caregiver Support Program (Family Assistance)
Non-VA Veteran Addiction Support Groups
- AA/NA Meetings for Veterans (VA-Facilitated Groups)
- www.aa.org (Search “veteran meetings”)
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Substance Use Programs
- IAMSOBER Veteran Recovery Community
- Stop Soldier Suicide (Addiction & Mental Health Aid)
- Operation Enduring Warrior (Peer-Led Recovery Support)
Note: Some programs may require VA eligibility verification. For fastest access, call the VA Hotline: 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.va.gov.
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery
The first step can be the hardest, so once you’ve accomplished that you’re on your way to recovery.
Admissions Process and What to Expect
Just reach out to us by text or phone. One of our compassionate admissions team members looks forward to connecting with you. They will explain the process.
Recovery at Miramar Health
Miramar Health is a veteran-owned and operated recovery program exclusively serving veterans. Our mission is to free veterans from America’s mental health and addiction crisis and to empower them to create a better future for themselves and their families.
We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer individualized treatment options that are specific to veterans. Take the first step to your recovery. You’re not alone. Reach out to our Admissions team today.
Sources
[1] US Department of Veterans Affairs. What is PTSD?
[2] US Department of Veterans Affairs. Coping with Traumatic Stress Reactions.
[3] US Department of Veterans Affairs. Overview of Psychotherapy for PTSD.
