Veteran Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), also called day treatment programs, are highly structured, intensive forms of outpatient addiction rehab.¹ Often seen as a midpoint between inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab, PHPs provide evidence-based therapies and care similar to inpatient rehab, but the patient lives at home.²

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is widely used to set guidelines for the placement, transfer, and discharge of patients seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders. On the continuum of care comprising levels from .5 to 4, a PHP is ranked as a level 2.5 between standard outpatient programs and residential rehab.³

PHP patients often receive structured treatment for roughly 4 to 8 hours a day for a set number of days per week at a facility.¹ As such, prior to placement PHP patients are typically deemed safe to spend the night in their own homes without endangering themselves or risking relapse.³ Additionally, PHP patients don’t require medical detox.⁵

People opt for PHPs for a variety of reasons. For example, someone transitioning from acute inpatient care may be transferred to a PHP as a form of continuing care. Or sometimes a PHP acts as an alternative to inpatient rehab for those that need a more structured treatment than a standard outpatient program but want to live at home and maintain some family, work, and/or school responsibilities.

With PHPs, you benefit from building the same coping skills as an inpatient or outpatient program while practicing them in your everyday environment.

After completing a PHP, continuing care is vital to promote long-term sobriety.⁶ Options include less intensive outpatient programs, aftercare opportunities (e.g., 12-Step programs), and sober living environments (e.g., halfway houses and Oxford homes).

While PHPs are available to the general public, some programs offer specialized care for Veteran addiction. These programs are designed to address the unique challenges Veterans can face while fighting addiction. Within them, Veterans have the opportunity to receive support and encouragement while building relationships with people on the same path who can understand their experiences.

What Happens in a PHP for Veterans?

A typical day at a PHP might include participating in various therapeutic interventions such as psychoeducation, individual behavioral therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and peer support groups.² However, in a Veteran-focused PHP, the unique needs of this group are taken into consideration.

Experiencing combat, living in high-stress environments, witnessing death and traumatic injuries, and fighting for your life can be hard to cope with—and the effects of such trauma don’t just disappear when you come home and hang up your uniform. Seeking treatment in a Veteran-focused PHP can give you the tools and resources to address the underlying issues that may be contributing to your addiction so you can move forward. Programs geared toward Veterans also help you form solidarity with other Veterans as you work through healing and celebrate wins together.

How Much Does a Veteran PHP Cost?

Many insurance companies provide coverage for PHP treatment. However, costs vary according to several factors, including:

• Your specific insurance plan.
• Whether the facility is in-network or out-of-network.
• Copays and deductibles.
• Duration of treatment.
• Facility pricing.

Additionally, Tricare—the healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families—provides coverage for medically necessary mental health and substance use disorder PHPs if you qualify.⁷

But even if you don’t have insurance, there are other ways to pay for a Veteran partial hospitalization program. Many federal and state organizations offer grants and scholarships for those seeking substance abuse treatment. Some rehab centers also offer sliding-fee scales where costs are adjusted based on your income.

Understanding what your insurance covers can simplify your search for care. American Addiction Centers—a highly acclaimed evidence-based treatment provider with facilities scattered throughout the U.S.—can help to quickly verify your benefits via the form below. Or simply contact us via phone to verify insurance, explore the various treatment options available, and learn more about our Salute to Recovery program for Veterans and first responders.

Treatment for Veterans at American Addiction Centers (AAC)

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers multiple PHP programs specializing in care for Veterans. These programs are dedicated to providing this unique population with the tools and resources to help them establish a firm footing on the road to recovery. With evidence-based treatments and empathetic support systems, the following AAC treatment centers provide PHP programs for Veterans:

• Desert Hope Treatment Center, Las Vegas, NV.
• River Oaks Treatment Center, Riverview, FL.
• Recovery First Treatment Center, Hollywood, FL.
• Greenhouse Treatment Center, Grand Prairie, TX.

If these facilities meet your needs but are outside of your geographic location, keep in mind that your emotional, physical, and spiritual needs are paramount. That is, it’s likely better to secure the best treatment for your situation than to simply select a facility that’s nearby.

Also note that these facilities offer myriad treatment options outside of PHPs, and Veteran-specific resources are available within all of them.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, reach out to us at to speak to an admissions navigator to learn more about treatment, admissions, and how to take your first steps toward recovery today.

Reviews for Veteran Rehab at AAC