Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) have become an essential part of the range of addiction treatment options, providing intensive care without requiring a 24-hour residential stay. The length of PHP treatment can differ depending on individual needs and circumstances, but understanding the typical duration and factors that influence program length is important for those considering this level of care.
This article examines the average length of partial hospitalization addiction treatment, the factors that may impact its duration, and what participants can expect during their time in a PHP.

Structure of Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) offer a structured treatment approach that combines the intensity of inpatient care with the flexibility of outpatient services.
PHPs typically provide treatment sessions lasting 3 to 12 hours per day, depending on your individual needs and the facility’s protocols. These programs can operate up to 7 days a week, allowing you to maintain some of your daily responsibilities while receiving structured care.
During your time in a PHP, you’ll participate in various therapy approaches, including group therapy, individual counseling, and psychoeducation. These sessions are designed to support your recovery and help you develop coping skills.
Most PHPs require you to engage in approximately 20 hours of treatment each week, with programs often lasting between 2 to 4 weeks, based on your personalized recovery plan.
Throughout your Partial Hospitalization Program at Radix Recovery, regular assessments will be conducted by our team to ensure your treatment plan is adjusted to meet your evolving needs. This adaptable approach ensures you receive the most appropriate level of care as you progress through your recovery journey.
Typical Duration of PHPs
Usually, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) lasting between 2 to 4 weeks on average.
You’ll typically attend addiction treatment for around 20 hours each week, with sessions ranging from 3 to 5 days per week and lasting about 6 hours per day. The exact length of stay in these programs depends on factors like your progress and specific health services requirements.
While the average duration is 2 to 4 weeks, some patients may extend their time in partial hospitalization based on their unique situation and recovery goals. The flexibility of these programs ensures you receive the right level of care for the appropriate amount of time to support your journey towards lasting recovery.
Check out our guide on how to prepare for a partial hospitalization program.
Factors Influencing Treatment Length
The severity of your addiction plays a significant role in determining treatment length, as those with more severe issues may require extended stays or additional levels of care to ensure a successful recovery.
Your individual progress throughout the partial hospitalization program (PHP) is another crucial factor, as regular assessments are conducted to adjust your treatment plan based on your evolving needs. This means that your length of stay may be modified depending on how well you respond to the provided interventions.
Insurance coverage can also impact the duration of your PHP, as some policies have specific limits on the number of treatment hours or length of care they’ll cover.
It’s essential to work closely with your treatment team and insurance provider to understand how these factors may affect your overall treatment length and to ensure that you receive the appropriate level and duration of care needed for a successful recovery journey. Read more about the cost of partial hospitalization program in Iowa here.

Customization of Treatment Length
While initial estimates are provided, your treatment plan remains flexible, allowing for adjustments based on your progress and engagement.
Through continuous evaluation, your partial hospitalization program (PHP) team ensures that your individual therapy aligns with your evolving recovery requirements.
This customized approach optimizes your treatment outcomes by adapting the duration of your PHP stay as needed. If you’re responding well and meeting milestones, your time in PHP may be shortened. Conversely, if you require additional support, your treatment may be extended.
Comparison to Other Treatment Options
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer a middle ground between inpatient rehab and standard outpatient care. While inpatient rehab requires full-time residency for 28 days to several months, PHP allows you to return home each evening while still engaging in daily structured treatment.
You’ll spend around 20 hours per week in therapy, which is more intensive than outpatient programs that may only involve a few sessions weekly over an extended period.
PHP is less intensive than inpatient treatment but more structured than intensive outpatient programs (IOP), which usually require 9-19 hours of weekly therapy.
It’s often recommended for individuals with co-occurring disorders who’ve stabilized but need more support than traditional outpatient care provides.
As a step-down from inpatient treatment, PHP addresses your immediate therapeutic needs within a shorter timeframe, typically lasting 2-6 weeks.
Final Thoughts from Radix Recovery
The individualized approach we use at Radix Recovery aims to ensure that our patients receive the appropriate level of care for their needs. Our devoted team of addiction specialists in Iowa is dedicated to delivering extensive treatment that adjusts to your advancement and changing requirements. Regardless of whether your journey to recovery entails a shorter or more extended stay in our partial hospitalization program, we’re here to assist you at every stage.