What Is a PHP Program for Substance Abuse

A Guide for Women Seeking Lasting Recovery

Quick Facts About PHP Programs

PHP stands for Partial Hospitalization Program, a structured form of outpatient substance abuse treatment.
Provides intensive care without requiring overnight stays—ideal for those needing support after detox or inpatient care.
Typically includes 5–6 hours of therapy per day, five days a week.
Combines individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, and life skills training.
Designed for individuals with moderate to severe addiction who need more support than a standard outpatient program.
Allows you to live at home or in a sober living environment while receiving treatment.
Often used as a step-down from residential rehab or as an alternative to inpatient programs.
At Anchored Tides Recovery, our PHP is designed specifically for women in Orange County, offering trauma-informed, gender-responsive care.

When seeking help for substance abuse, such as recurring binge drinking or xanax addiction, many women face a crucial question: What level of care do I need to truly heal? For those who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but don’t require 24/7 residential treatment, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can be a powerful, life-changing step toward recovery.

We’ll explain what a PHP program for substance abuse is, how it works, and why it may be the right fit for women navigating addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A Partial Hospitalization Program is a structured, clinically intensive form of outpatient treatment. Think of it as a “middle ground” between full-time residential rehab and less intensive outpatient services. Clients attend treatment during the day—typically 5 to 6 days a week for several hours—and return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings.

PHPs are designed for individuals who need consistent, multidisciplinary care but are stable enough not to require overnight supervision. These programs are especially effective for women who are transitioning from inpatient care or who need a strong foundation early in their recovery journey.

PHP Treatment Includes:

Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions help uncover root causes of addiction, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
Group Therapy: Provides community support and guidance from peers in recovery.
Family Therapy: Healing family dynamics and improving communication is key to lasting change.
Medical and Psychiatric Support: Includes medication management, if necessary.
Skill-Building Workshops: Focus on emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and life skills.
Holistic Therapies: Yoga, art therapy, and mindfulness practices help integrate healing for the body and mind.

Why Is PHP Effective for Women in Recovery?

Women face unique challenges in addiction and recovery. Many have experienced trauma, are caregivers, or battle co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. PHPs offer a high level of support while allowing the flexibility to stay connected to family, children, and home responsibilities.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we specialize in women’s treatment and understand that healing involves the whole person—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Key Benefits for Women:

Stability Without Isolation: You receive daily structure while staying connected to your life outside treatment.
Safety and Support: PHP creates a safe space for processing trauma and exploring emotional health.
Empowerment and Accountability: With daily check-ins, therapy, and goal-setting, women rebuild their confidence and self-worth.
Gender-Specific Care: Treatment tailored to women’s needs promotes deeper healing and connection.

What’s the Difference Between PHP and IOP?

One common question we hear is: How is PHP different from an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)? While both are outpatient options, there are key distinctions in time commitment and intensity.

Aspect	PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)	IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
Time Commitment	5–6 days/week, ~6 hours/day	3–5 days/week, ~3 hours/day
Level of Care	High-level support, daily programming	Moderate support, more flexibility
Best For	Early recovery or step-down from residential	Early recovery or step-down from residential Step-down from PHP or working recovery

PHP is ideal when someone needs a strong, daily framework to stay on track. IOP is often the next step, allowing more flexibility while continuing therapeutic support. Learn more about IOP vs OP here.

Who Should Consider a PHP Program?

PHP might be right for you if:

You’ve completed inpatient treatment and need a structured step-down.
You’re struggling to maintain sobriety in traditional outpatient settings.
You need intensive therapy and support but also want to live at home or in sober living.
You’re dealing with dual diagnosis issues such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression.

Women often come to us feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, and afraid of slipping through the cracks. PHP provides a compassionate bridge to stability and recovery—without sacrificing independence.

I am now alumni of ATR and I can say if I would have gone through a program like this I would have gotten sober a lot sooner. It not only brought me long term sobriety but helped me discover myself and get connected back to life. Thank you to Amy and the rest of the team for being so transparent with me. I love you and thank you for this program.

Emme D.

What to Expect in a Women’s PHP Program

A typical day in PHP at Anchored Tides Recovery may look like this:

Morning Check-In: Start the day with mindfulness and goal-setting.
Therapeutic Groups: Dive into trauma work, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation.
Lunch & Community Time: Connect with peers and recharge.
Afternoon Sessions: Art therapy, life skills, and one-on-one counseling.
Evening Transition: Return home or to sober living with recovery assignments and daily intentions.

This schedule provides structure without being overwhelming, supporting progress while allowing space for personal growth.

PHP and Long-Term Recovery: Building a Foundation for Life

PHP isn’t just about staying sober—it’s about creating a life you want to stay sober for. We help you:

Identify triggers and build coping strategies.
Improve communication and boundary-setting.
Rebuild relationships and reconnect with purpose.
Regain independence, confidence, and control.

Our approach is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and community-centered. Explore our therapy options here.

Local Recovery in Orange County: Healing Close to Home

Anchored Tides Recovery is located in beautiful Orange County, California—a place where healing can happen surrounded by sunshine, supportive community, and expert care.

We proudly serve women throughout Southern California, including:

Huntington Beach
Costa Mesa
Newport Beach
Irvine
Long Beach

Learn about our women’s PHP program here.

Ready to Reclaim Your Life?

Let’s Take the First Step Together

If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or lost in the cycle of substance abuse, know this: you are not alone. There’s a path forward—and we’re here to walk it with you.

Contact Anchored Tides Recovery today to explore whether PHP is right for you. We offer free consultations, insurance verification, and compassionate support from the moment you call.

📞 Call Now or Send a Message

Helpful Resources and Next Steps:

Anchored Tides Recovery is a women’s addiction treatment center in Orange County offering PHP, IOP, and trauma-informed care designed to empower women through every stage of recovery.

addiction treatment for women Partial Hospitalization php programs

Burnout and depression can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially for women trying to manage work, relationships, caregiving responsibilities, and their own mental health. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand how these challenges intersect, and we’re here to help women regain balance, strength, and purpose.

In this guide, we’ll help you recognize the signs of burnout and depression, understand how they relate, and provide actionable strategies to recover emotionally, physically, and mentally.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often caused by prolonged stress—particularly related to work, caregiving, or other intense responsibilities. It can lead to feeling emotionally drained, detached, and unmotivated.

Common Symptoms of Burnout:

Fatigue, even after rest
Increased irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of motivation
Feeling detached or cynical
Sleep disturbances
Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues

While burnout isn’t classified as a medical diagnosis, its impact on your health and daily functioning can be profound.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in life. Unlike burnout, which is typically tied to external pressures, depression can stem from a variety of factors including brain chemistry, genetics, trauma, and life circumstances.

Common Symptoms of Depression:

Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disruptions (too much or too little)
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty thinking or making decisions
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Depression is treatable with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Burnout vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse burnout and depression, as they share similar symptoms like fatigue, low motivation, and withdrawal. However, the key differences are:

Burnout is typically situational and related to a specific area (like work).
Depression is more pervasive and affects multiple areas of life, including physical health, relationships, and self-perception.

Burnout improves with rest and boundary-setting; depression often needs professional intervention.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing burnout, depression, or both, speaking with a mental health professional can provide clarity.

Can Burnout Lead to Depression?

Yes—untreated burnout can progress into depression. When stress continues for too long without relief or support, it can drain emotional reserves and impact your brain chemistry. This is why early intervention is key.

Women are especially vulnerable due to social expectations, caregiving roles, and career pressures. Burnout can erode self-esteem and make women feel like they’re “failing” when they’re simply overwhelmed.

How to Deal with Burnout and Depression: Step-by-Step

Here are effective, research-based strategies to help manage both burnout and depression:

1. Acknowledge What You’re Feeling

Give yourself permission to feel tired, frustrated, or low. Naming what you’re going through is the first step toward healing.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Burnout thrives when boundaries are lacking. Learn to say no to nonessential obligations and protect your energy.

3. Create a Self-Care Routine That Actually Works

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths. It includes:

4. Seek Support

Talk to trusted friends, join a support group, or reach out to a therapist. Anchored Tides Recovery offers trauma-informed care and group therapy designed specifically for women.

5. Consider Professional Help

If depression symptoms persist, clinical help is vital. Treatment options may include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Medication
Group Therapy
Trauma Therapy
Dual Diagnosis Programs

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we provide mental health services that address the root causes of emotional distress and offer individualized treatment plans.

6. Reevaluate Your Environment

Sometimes your surroundings contribute to burnout or depression. Ask:

Is my job or relationship unsustainable?
Am I stuck in a toxic cycle?
What changes would support my mental well-being?

Small changes, like modifying your routine or finding a healthier workspace, can make a big difference.

Childhood Trauma and Addiction: Codependent Issues

Trauma and Women’s Mental Health

Many women who struggle with burnout and depression have unresolved trauma. This can include past abuse, neglect, or emotionally invalidating environments. Trauma can wire the nervous system for hypervigilance, emotional exhaustion, and despair.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we integrate trauma-informed approaches into our mental health and substance use treatment. Healing past wounds is essential to moving forward.

How Anchored Tides Recovery Can Help

We understand the unique challenges women face. Our women-only environment is safe, supportive, and structured for true healing.

Our programs include:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Ideal for women who need structured daily support without overnight stay.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible therapy and support as women reintegrate into their lives.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: For co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Focused on healing the root cause of distress.
Aftercare & Alumni Support: Long-term resources for sustained recovery.

When to Seek Help Immediately

If you or someone you know is experiencing:

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Complete withdrawal from daily life
Inability to perform basic self-care

Please call a mental health professional, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis line.

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

You’re Not Alone

Burnout and depression can feel like invisible weights, especially for women who feel the pressure to “keep it together.” But you’re not alone and don’t have to face this silently.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we provide compassionate, personalized care for women navigating life’s toughest moments. Whether you’re experiencing burnout, depression, or both, help is available, and healing is possible.