What's the Difference Between PHP and IOP?

Navigating mental healthcare can feel very confusing and slightly overwhelming, especially when you hear terms like Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Both programs offer structured support, but they are different in the level of care you receive and how much time you spend in treatment. 

Choosing which program is best for you depends on your current needs, symptoms, and life circumstances.  

In this article, you’ll learn what PHP and IOP programs offer and the key differences between them. 

Understanding Levels of Mental Health Care

Depending on what you need, there are several levels of mental health support available to help you.

• Outpatient therapy: This level offers weekly sessions with a therapist or counselor and medication management. This option allows you to continue daily responsibilities like work or school.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): This level offers several therapy sessions per week and medication management while you are still living at home.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This level provides structured treatment most days of the week, similar to a hospital setting but without staying there overnight.
• Inpatient hospitalization: This level provides 24/7 care in a facility for immediate crisis situations or for severe mental health needs.
  
  

Each step provides more support and structure. The level of care you need depends on how severe your symptoms are and how well you are able to perform your daily activities. 

If your mental health condition is causing intense  anxiety or depression, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, having a more structured program may be the most helpful. On the same note, if you are having a hard time keeping up with daily activities, like doing your job, attending school, or taking care of yourself, a higher level of care may be the support you need. 

Mental health care treatment is flexible. As your needs change, you can move between levels. Sometimes you may just need to check in with your psychiatrist or therapist once a week. While other times, you need more support. It’s designed this way on purpose to make sure you are supported no matter what level of care you need. 

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A PHP is a mental health treatment program designed for when you need more support than traditional outpatient therapy and monthly medication management, but you don’t need overnight hospitalization. 

In PHP programs, you’ll receive intensive therapy, medical supervision, and skill-building training in a safe setting throughout the day. In the evening, you’ll return home.  

Structure and Schedule

PHPs are very structured. The programs run five days a week for several hours a day. The schedule may include:

• Therapy groups: Focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, and processing mental health challenges.
• Individual sessions: One-on-one time with a therapist or counselor to address personal goals and challenges.
• Educational and skill-building activities: Workshops on stress management, mindfulness, or social skills.
• Medical supervision: Staff may monitor medication management, safety, and overall well-being throughout the day.
  
  

This structured approach can help you establish routines, practice skills in real-time, and receive immediate support when needed.

Who Benefits from PHP

PHP can be a good fit if you are experiencing:

• Moderate to severe mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD that interfere with your daily life.
• Transition from inpatient care: If you’ve been receiving 24/7 care in a hospital, a PHP can help you transition to more independent living while still receiving intensive support.
• Need for structured daily support: If you are having a hard time managing symptoms safely at home, but don’t need overnight hospitalization. 

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

In an IOP program, you’ll also receive structured mental health support, but you don’t spend as much time there during the day. You may not even need to attend every day. This schedule allows much more flexibility in keeping up with your daily routines.

Program Format and Flexibility

IOPs are designed to fit better around your schedule. Here are some key features about IOPs:

• Weekly schedule: Typically, sessions are held three to five days per week, with each session lasting a few hours.
• Flexible timing: Many programs offer evening or weekend options to accommodate different schedules.
• Balance with daily life: You can continue living at home, working, attending school, or caring for your family while still receiving consistent support.

Treatment Approach

The focus of IOP programs is to support you through therapy while also helping you build skills and learn strategies to manage stress, prevent setbacks, and maintain your mental wellness over time. 

You’ll spend some time in group therapy sessions that focus on coping strategies, emotional support, and peer connections. Then you’ll also participate in one-on-one sessions where you can address personal challenges and treatment goals. 

Key Differences Between PHP and IOP

PHP and IOP programs are both there to offer you structured professional mental health support. However, they differ in their time commitment, level of supervision, and the intensity of the treatment. 

Time Commitment

One of the main differences between PHP and IOP is how much time you spend in treatment.

In a PHP program, you’ll attend most weekdays for several hours each day. You can expect to spend about 20 hours a week in the program. 

In an IOP program, it’s common to attend therapy sessions three to five days a week for a few hours per session. Adults spend about nine hours a week in IOP programs, while adolescents are there for around six hours a week. 

How long you remain in a PHP may be slightly shorter than an IOP, because of the higher intensity of the program. IOPs allow for treatment to be spread out over a longer period and better accommodate work, school, and family responsibilities. 

PHP programs are best if you need daily structure, while IOP programs offer more flexibility if you need to manage other responsibilities. 

Level of Support and Supervision

Both programs vary in how much support and supervision you receive. 

In a PHP, you’ll receive a higher level of treatment. You’ll have a daily check-in with a psychiatrist or other medical staff. Staff are also quickly available to respond to concerns, and they may supervise medication administration. 

In IOPs, the psychiatrist and other medical staff may only check in with you periodically. Your sessions are typically scheduled times where you can voice your concerns. There may also be an on-call support you can access. As far as your medications go, you’ll usually manage those at home with guidance from your treatment team. 

Treatment Intensity

The intensity of treatment in PHP and IOP programs differs in several areas. 

PHP programs include multiple therapy sessions per day. They also incorporate a wider range of therapies, including group therapy, individual therapy, psychoeducation, and skill-building. In a PHP you’ll also have more consistent peer interaction.

IOP programs typically offer fewer daily sessions, focusing on core therapy and skill development. There is some peer interaction, but it is less than in PHP programs. 

Choosing the Right Program

Deciding which program is right for you is not always a straightforward answer. It depends on the symptoms you are currently experiencing and their intensity. It also hinges on your personal preferences and daily responsibilities. 

Factors to Consider

Here are several factors to consider when deciding which program is right for you. 

• Severity of symptoms: If your symptoms are intense or frequent, you may need a PHP. Whereas if your symptoms are more moderate, an IOP may be best.
• Treatment team’s recommendations: After talking with you, your treatment team will have a good idea which program is right for you. Listening to their recommendations is important.
• Previous treatment history: If outpatient therapy alone hasn’t provided you with enough support, stepping up to PHP or IOP may be appropriate.
• Life circumstances: Your work, school, and family responsibilities influence whether a full-day PHP or more flexible IOP is realistic.
• Insurance coverage and costs: Some programs may be covered differently by insurance, so it’s important to verify benefits beforehand.

Working with Your Treatment Team

Rather than having to make the decision on your own, it’s a good idea to work with your treatment team. Psychiatrists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals can assess your symptoms and overall safety. Based on their assessment, they’ll suggest which program they believe best fits your needs. 

It’s important to remember that treatment plans are not fixed. You can step up or step down in care as your needs change. Openly communicate your goals and concerns with your team so they can better support you right where you need them. 

Bottom Line

Choosing between a PHP and an IOP can feel like a big decision, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you need daily support and structure, PHP may be the right fit. If you’re ready for more flexibility while still getting consistent care, IOP could be a better option. 

Talk with your treatment team about your needs and goals. They can guide you toward the level of care that helps you feel supported and move forward in recovery. And if you’re unsure where to begin, reaching out for an evaluation is a powerful first step toward healing.

Sources

Khawaja IS, Westermeyer JJ. Providing Crisis-oriented and Recovery-based Treatment in Partial Hospitalization Programs. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010 Feb;7(2):28-31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2848466/

McCarty, D., Braude, L., Lyman, D. R., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 65(6), 718. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300249

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020). The Value Of Structured Outpatient Treatment. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://www.nami.org/treatment/the-value-of-structured-outpatient-treatment/