You’ve summoned the courage to admit you need help for your substance abuse. The obvious next step is to enter a treatment program such as the ones provided by Fresh Start Recovery. Depending on the severity of your abuse, you may be a candidate for an outpatient treatment known as a partial hospitalization program.

Partial hospitalization or PHP programs provide clients the freedom to continue living at home while reporting to medical facilities to work on recovery.

A partial hospitalization program allows for a sense of normalcy during the hard work of bringing substance abuse under control. To learn more about this treatment option, reach out to Fresh Start Recovery Center today at 833.625.0398.

Categories of Addiction Treatment

Substance abuse treatment falls into two categories: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient treatment is for the most severe substance abuse cases, where patients spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week in residence, receiving care and support from doctors and therapists.

The other category is outpatient treatment. Substance abuse outpatient treatment can take several different forms, including intensive outpatient treatment, standard outpatient treatment, and, of course, partial hospitalization.

Outpatient treatment can enable patients to continue with aspects of their lives as usual. It still requires hard work and commitment as you will be spending time in detox or therapy several hours a day. In certain circumstances, outpatient treatment may allow you to continue to work.

A partial hospitalization program has turned around the lives of many struggling with substance abuse.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Treatment activity in a partial hospitalization program for substance abuse can last between five to seven hours a day. The hours typically occur during the day, while clients return home in the afternoon and evening and sleep at home.

During a PHP, clients receive:

  • Individual counseling
  • Group counseling
  • Medical care for withdrawal or other health problems
  • Life skills such as nutrition or other classes
  • Participation in 12-step support groups

In many instances, partial hospitalization follows inpatient treatment. It’s for a person who still needs care, but not quite the intense support of a residential treatment facility. Another category of clients who is right for PHP is someone who has experienced a relapse. While they do not need residential treatment, they do need structured treatment to return to sobriety.

When Do You Need Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment beds are for individuals with moderate to severe addictions. The treatment takes place in non-hospital settings, but these facilities are also licensed and regulated.

The services between inpatient/residential and outpatient/PHP programs are very similar. Both require periods spent in intensive counseling sessions with a trained medical therapist. Those sessions may be individual, one-on-one sessions or they may be in groups.

Inpatient treatment is typically for individuals who may not have a stable environment at home. In other words, they may live with influences that are not conducive to maintaining sobriety. Conversely, their addiction is such that it may require constant monitoring.

Partial Hospitalization Programs and Fresh Start Recovery Center

Substance abuse treatment requires focus, courage, and stamina, whether it’s inpatient or outpatient. If outpatient, you may be right for a partial hospitalization program or PHP. At Fresh Start Recovery Center, we provide all forms of outpatient treatment to address substance abuse addictions. We also help address process addictions involving gambling, sex, or other behaviors. The doctors and therapeutic professionals at Fresh Start Recovery Center practice evidence-based care and apply the principles to your situation. During treatment, we provide services, including:

You can expect sensitive care that is confidential, private, safe, and secure. Our focus is on restoring you to a life filled with hope and promise. Take the first step to recovery today. Contact Fresh Start Recovery Center at 833.625.0398 to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation.


Fresh Start Recovery Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland, offers comprehensive treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. We are conveniently located close to the Washington, D.C. metro area and Maryland’s Montgomery, Howard and Frederick counties. Fresh Start is dedicated to serving the communities in the state of Maryland and also along the East Coast. We offer Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient programs at our beautiful facility.