Adult Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program is a structured form of outpatient care. It provides intensive treatment during the day, then lets you return home in the evening to rest and practice what you’ve learned.

Think of a PHP as a middle step. It offers more support than traditional outpatient therapy, but doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay. This balance can be helpful when your symptoms need close attention, but you’re stable enough to spend evenings at home.

At Branches Auburn Hills, the adult PHP runs Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a hot lunch provided in the hospital cafeteria. Each day combines individual, group and family therapy within a structured, supportive setting.

Who Can Benefit From a PHP?

You may be considering a PHP for yourself, or you may be exploring options for someone you love. Either way, understanding who this program is designed for can help you decide whether it’s the right next step.

A PHP can be a good fit when:

• You need more than weekly therapy: When symptoms of depression, anxiety or another mental health concern feel difficult to manage, daily support can provide structure and stability.
• You’re transitioning from inpatient care: A PHP can serve as a step-down level of care, helping you ease back into daily life with continued guidance.
• You want to stay connected to home and family: This program allows you to return home each evening, so you can stay close to loved ones and familiar surroundings.
• You’re ready to build lasting coping skills: Treatment focuses on practical tools you can carry into your work, family and community.

Recovery looks different for everyone. If you’re unsure whether a PHP is right for your situation, a level-of-care assessment can help clarify the best path forward.

What to Expect in the Adult PHP

Starting a new program can bring up questions, and that’s completely normal. Knowing what your days may look like can make the first step feel more approachable.

The adult PHP at Branches Auburn Hills combines several forms of therapy and support, including:

• Daily group therapy: Groups focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy skill building, trauma recovery and coping strategies to help with depression, anxiety and other mental health symptoms. Group therapy also offers a supportive space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
• Nursing groups: A registered nurse leads sessions on medication education, physical health and overall wellness, so you can better understand how your care fits together.
• Recreational therapy: Daily activity-based sessions use recreation and other interventions to support health, recovery and well-being.
• Regular psychiatrist contact: The physicians at Havenwyck Hospital meet with you at least three times a week to monitor your progress and medications, and to help guide your treatment.

These sessions work together to support your overall well-being. The goal is to help you build personal responsibility and healthy habits that carry into your family, work, school and community life.

Evidence-Based Therapies That Support Healing

Effective treatment starts with proven approaches. The adult PHP draws on therapies that research supports for managing a range of mental health concerns.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships and staying present in difficult moments.
• Trauma recovery work: These sessions can help you process past experiences and develop healthier ways of coping with their effects.
• Coping skills development: You’ll learn strategies to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in everyday situations.

Progress isn’t always about “fixing” everything at once. Often, it’s about learning to align with your values and care for yourself, even when things feel hard.

Virtual and In-Person Options

Life doesn’t pause when you need support, and getting to a facility every day isn’t always possible. That’s why the adult PHP offers both virtual and in-person options.

Virtual care can make treatment more accessible if transportation, distance or other responsibilities make in-person attendance difficult. Whichever option you choose, you can expect the same structured, supportive care.

Reaching out for help is a courageous step, and you don’t have to know exactly what you need before you call. That’s what the team is here for.

You, or someone supporting you, can begin the process in a few ways. Patients may be referred on their own or by physicians, mental health professionals, social workers, social service agencies, family members, friends, employee assistance programs, court officials, insurance case managers, outpatient clinics, hospitals and other agencies.

The next step is usually a level-of-care assessment. This conversation helps determine whether a PHP, or another level of care, best fits your needs. You can reach Branches Auburn Hills at 800-401-2727 for a confidential, level-of-care assessment. Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please note that diagnosis, counseling and level-of-care recommendations can’t be provided online. If you’re currently experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. If you’re facing a mental health crisis, call 988.