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.
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:
- What Is a Substance Abuse Program for Women?
- Substance Abuse Among Women
- Substance Abuse & Codependency
- Intensive Outpatient vs Outpatient Programs
- Women’s Addiction Treatment Center Overview
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.
