7 Best PHP for Adults in LA (2025): Achieve Recovery

Stop the Downward Spiral: Get Intensive Mental Health Help in Florida—Without Putting Your Life on Hold

What are the top-rated Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for adults in Florida? The best programs offer 4-8 hours of daily structured care, 5 days per week, while you return home each night. Top-rated PHPs in Florida include evidence-based programs with specialized tracks for OCD, dual diagnosis, and eating disorders; holistic programs with experiential activities; and virtual options through providers like Thrive Mental Health that serve all of Florida.

Quick Answer: Top PHP Program Types in Florida

1. Evidence-Based Academic PHPs – Research-driven care with specialized tracks
2. Holistic & Experiential PHPs – Integrates yoga, hiking, and mindfulness
3. Dual Diagnosis PHPs – Integrated mental health and addiction care
4. Trauma-Focused PHPs – Programs offering EMDR and somatic therapy
5. Executive/Professional PHPs – Flexible scheduling for working adults
6. LGBTQ+ Affirming PHPs – Culturally competent programs offering affirming care
7. Virtual PHPs – Thrive Mental Health, with evening options available

If you’re spiraling with anxiety, depression, or trauma—and weekly therapy isn’t cutting it—you need more than talk. You need structure, accountability, and intensive support. But you don’t want to put your entire life on pause.

That’s exactly what Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) deliver. You get hospital-level care during the day—5 days a week, 4-8 hours daily—then return home each night. It’s the fastest path to recovery without losing your job, your routine, or your independence.

PHPs treat moderate-to-severe mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and substance use. Most major insurance plans cover PHP as essential mental health benefits, including Cigna, Optum, and Medicare Part B.

The problem? Not all PHPs are created equal. Some focus on evidence-based therapy. Others emphasize holistic care or specialize in trauma or dual diagnosis. Choosing the wrong program wastes time and money.

I’m Nate Raine, CEO of Thrive Mental Health, and I’ve spent over a decade building behavioral health programs that integrate clinical excellence with real-world flexibility. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what are the top-rated Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for adults in Florida, so you can make the right choice for your recovery—fast.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Florida? [Is It Your Fastest Path to Recovery?]

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a highly structured, intensive outpatient treatment designed for individuals who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but don’t require 24/7 inpatient care. Think of it as the crucial middle ground in mental health and addiction treatment. In a PHP, you commit to daily programming—typically 4 to 8 hours a day, five days a week—and then return home or to a sober living environment each evening.

This intensive, structured care allows you to immerse yourself in therapy and skill-building during the day while maintaining your connections to home, family, and community at night. It’s a powerful way to stabilize acute symptoms, develop coping skills, and practice them in your real-world environment.

PHPs are effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders)

The duration of a PHP can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on your individual needs and progress. The primary benefits include its cost-effectiveness compared to inpatient treatment, the structured environment it provides, and its ability to help you integrate new coping mechanisms directly into your daily life.

To understand how PHP fits into the broader spectrum of care, it’s helpful to compare it with other options. For a deeper dive into the distinctions, check out our guide on What is the difference between PHP and IOP?.

PHP vs. Inpatient vs. IOP: Which Level of Care Gets You Back Faster?

Choosing the right level of care is critical for effective and lasting recovery. Here’s how PHP stands apart from inpatient treatment and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):

• Inpatient Treatment: This is the highest level of care, offering 24/7 supervision and medical support in a residential facility. It’s for individuals in acute crisis, needing medical stabilization, or who are unsafe to be on their own. While highly effective, it completely removes you from your daily life.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): As we’ve discussed, PHP provides intensive, structured treatment during the day, allowing you to return home at night. It offers a significant step-down from inpatient care or a step-up for those whose symptoms are too severe for traditional outpatient therapy. You gain independence while still receiving robust support.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOP is a step down from PHP, offering fewer hours of therapy per week (typically 3-5 sessions, 9-15 hours total). It provides greater flexibility, allowing you to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while continuing your recovery journey.

The choice depends on your clinical needs, the severity of your symptoms, and your living situation. Our goal at Thrive Mental Health is to help you find the fastest, most effective path back to your best self. Understanding the nuances between these levels of care is key. For more detailed comparisons, explore our article on PHP vs IOP.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Level of Care	Hours/Week	Location	Ideal Candidate	Cost Level
Inpatient	24/7	Residential	Acute crisis, medical stabilization, unsafe to be alone	Highest
PHP	20-40 hours	Home at night	Stepping down from inpatient, needing intensive support, stable home environment	Moderate
IOP	9-15 hours	Home at night	Stepping down from PHP, needing structured support with more flexibility, managing symptoms while working/school	Lower

Who Should Choose a PHP in Florida?

A PHP in Florida is an ideal choice if you find yourself in any of these situations:

• Moderate-to-Severe Symptoms: You’re experiencing significant distress from conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, and weekly therapy isn’t enough to manage your symptoms.
• Stepping Down from Residential Care: You’ve completed inpatient or residential treatment and need a structured transition back to daily life, but still require a high level of clinical support.
• Need More Than Weekly Therapy: Traditional outpatient sessions aren’t providing the intensity or frequency required for your current mental health challenges.
• Struggling with Relapse Triggers: If you’re dealing with substance use disorder, PHPs offer a structured environment to develop coping mechanisms for triggers and cravings in a real-world context.
• Medication Management Needs: You require daily monitoring of medication effectiveness, side effects, or adjustments by a psychiatrist.
• Need Structure But Want to Stay at Home: You need the intensity of a hospital program but prefer the comfort and independence of returning to your own home each night.

PHPs are designed to bridge the gap, providing robust clinical intervention while fostering independence. For a more comprehensive understanding of these programs, refer to our Guide to Partial Hospitalization Programs.

How to Get Into a PHP in Florida: Admission, Insurance, and What to Expect

Navigating the admission process for a PHP in Florida can seem daunting, but it’s designed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Admission Requirements:

1. Diagnosis: You’ll need a documented mental health or substance use disorder diagnosis.
2. Medical Clearance: A medical evaluation is typically required to ensure you’re medically stable enough for an outpatient program and don’t require 24/7 medical supervision.
3. Referral or Self-Referral: You might be referred by a current therapist, psychiatrist, or hospital. Many programs also accept self-referrals, where you initiate the contact and assessment process yourself.
4. ASAM Criteria Assessment: For substance use disorders, programs often use the ASAM Criteria for assessment to determine the appropriate level of care. This comprehensive evaluation looks at six dimensions of your life to match you with the right treatment intensity.
5. Intake Assessment: This is a thorough evaluation by the PHP’s clinical team. It assesses your current symptoms, history, living situation, and treatment goals to determine if PHP is the best fit for your needs.
6. Clinical Evaluation: This involves a detailed discussion with a mental health professional to understand your condition and confirm that PHP is the most beneficial and safe option for your recovery. Most programs review referrals within a few business days based on clinical information, medical clearance, and financial eligibility.

Insurance and Costs: What You Need to Know Before You Start

We understand that the financial aspect of treatment is a major concern for many. The good news is that most health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover Partial Hospitalization Programs as part of essential mental health benefits. This is a significant step towards making intensive care more accessible.

When considering a PHP in Florida, here’s what to keep in mind regarding insurance and costs:

• Major Insurance Coverage: Many leading insurance providers offer coverage for PHPs. This includes national carriers like Cigna, Optum, and plans from companies like UnitedHealthcare. We strongly recommend verifying your specific benefits. You can learn more about general coverage by visiting our page on Health Insurance with Mental Health Coverage.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Check if the PHP provider is in-network with your insurance plan. In-network providers typically result in lower out-of-pocket costs. If a program is out-of-network, your plan might still offer some coverage, but your share of the cost will likely be higher.
• Verifying Benefits: It’s crucial to contact your insurance company directly or work with the admissions team of the PHP to verify your benefits. They can clarify your deductible, copays, coinsurance, and any pre-authorization requirements specific to PHP. For example, our team at Thrive can help you quickly Verify your insurance to understand your coverage without any obligation.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even with insurance, you may be responsible for deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Be sure to ask the program about all potential costs upfront.
• UnitedHealthcare Coverage: If you have UnitedHealthcare, they often provide coverage for partial hospitalization. You can find more information about how this works on our dedicated page: United Healthcare Partial Hospitalization.

Don’t let concerns about cost deter you from seeking the help you need. Most reputable PHPs will have staff dedicated to helping you understand and maximize your insurance benefits.

7 Best Types of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for Adults in Florida [2025]

Florida, with its diverse communities and growing healthcare sector, offers a wide array of Partial Hospitalization Programs. Instead of ranking specific facilities, we’ve identified the 7 best types of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for adults in Florida based on their unique approaches, specializations, and effectiveness. These categories represent the leading models of care designed to deliver profound results. At Thrive Mental Health, we integrate many of these features into our own programs, ensuring you receive comprehensive, cutting-edge treatment.

1. Evidence-Based, Research-Driven PHPs

These programs prioritize therapeutic modalities backed by extensive scientific research. They often have affiliations with academic institutions or are deeply committed to integrating the latest clinical findings into their practice.

• Key Features: Strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other empirically supported treatments. They typically offer a robust schedule of group and individual therapy sessions.
• Specializations: Many offer specialized tracks for specific conditions, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), eating disorders, perinatal mental health, and dual diagnosis.
• Example in Florida: Top programs in this category are often affiliated with academic institutions. They are known for voluntary, group-based models designed to help patients achieve maximum independence, with specialized tracks for OCD, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, and perinatal care. The focus is on delivering intensive, coordinated, and structured clinical services.

2. Holistic & Experiential PHPs

Recognizing that healing extends beyond traditional talk therapy, these programs integrate mind-body practices and experiential activities to promote overall well-being.

• Key Features: In addition to core therapies, they incorporate modalities like Art Therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and neurofeedback. Some programs go further by including activities such as weekly pickleball, kickboxing, hikes, beach yoga, and rock climbing, helping clients engage physically and build community.
• Approach: They focus on whole-person wellness, understanding that physical activity and creative expression can significantly complement psychological healing.
• Example in Florida: Leading programs in Florida exemplify this type, blending traditional therapy with a wide range of engaging, active experiences to support whole-person wellness.

3. Dual Diagnosis & Addiction Recovery PHPs

For individuals struggling with both mental health disorders and substance use disorders, integrated dual diagnosis PHPs are essential. These programs treat both conditions concurrently, recognizing their interconnectedness.

• Key Features: Integrated treatment plans that address mental health symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) alongside addiction recovery. They often include relapse prevention strategies, family therapy, and may incorporate elements of 12-step programs or SMART Recovery.
• Focus: The goal is long-term recovery by equipping individuals with comprehensive coping skills for both mental health and substance use challenges.
• Example in Florida: These programs feature multi-modal therapy including CBT and DBT, meal provision, structured daily schedules, and an emphasis on discharge planning and relapse prevention for dual diagnosis clients. They focus on individualized treatment for both addiction and mental health to address co-occurring disorders.

4. Trauma-Informed & EMDR-Focused PHPs

These programs specialize in treating the profound impact of trauma, offering specialized therapies to help individuals process past experiences and develop resilience.

• Key Features: A foundation in trauma-informed care principles, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. They frequently use therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic experiencing, and other body-based approaches to address PTSD and complex trauma.
• Goal: To help individuals regulate their nervous system, reduce trauma symptoms, and build a sense of safety and stability.
• Example in Florida: Many PHPs in Florida incorporate EMDR and trauma-informed care approaches, alongside other modalities, to provide comprehensive support for individuals with trauma.

5. Executive & Professional PHPs

Designed for working adults and professionals, these PHPs offer more flexible scheduling options to accommodate ongoing career responsibilities.

• Key Features: Often include evening program options or virtual components to allow participants to manage work or family commitments. They focus on life skills coaching, stress management (e.g., CBT for Stress Management), and building resilience in professional settings.
• Emphasis: Confidentiality and peer support among individuals facing similar work-life integration challenges.
• Example in Florida: While traditional PHPs are often daytime, providers like Thrive Mental Health offer virtual options that can provide the flexibility needed for professionals across Florida.

6. LGBTQ+ Affirming & Inclusive PHPs

These programs provide a safe, understanding, and affirming space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing their unique challenges and strengths.

• Key Features: Culturally competent staff, gender-affirming care, and group therapy sessions that foster a sense of community and belonging among LGBTQ+ individuals. They address issues related to identity, discrimination, and specific mental health concerns prevalent in the community.
• Support: These programs create an environment where individuals feel seen, respected, and supported in their healing journey.
• Example in Florida: Several Florida programs are noted for specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community, offering custom, culturally competent support. For more resources, explore our LGBTQIA Resources page.

7. Virtual PHPs: Get Intensive Care from Home, Anywhere in Florida

The rise of telehealth has revolutionized access to intensive mental health care, making Virtual Partial Hospitalization Programs (VPHPs) a game-changer, especially for busy individuals across Florida.

• Key Features: All the therapeutic intensity of an in-person PHP delivered through secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing. This eliminates commute times, reduces geographical barriers, and provides unparalleled flexibility.
• Benefits: Ideal for parents, individuals with mobility issues, those in remote areas of Florida, or anyone who needs to integrate intensive treatment into a busy schedule. Many virtual programs, like ours at Thrive Mental Health, offer evening options.
• Accessibility: You can access top-tier clinical expertise from the comfort and privacy of your home, anywhere in Florida.
• Example in FL: Thrive Mental Health offers virtual and hybrid PHP programs designed for adults across Florida, combining clinical excellence with flexible scheduling. This makes top-tier PHP and IOP options accessible from anywhere in the state, including major cities like Miami and Orlando. Learn more about how this works on our Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program page.

What Happens After PHP? Your Roadmap to Lasting Recovery

Completing a Partial Hospitalization Program is a significant milestone in your recovery journey, but it’s not the end. A crucial part of any effective PHP is robust transition planning, ensuring you have a clear roadmap for continued healing and sustained well-being. This aftercare planning is vital for maintaining the progress you’ve made and preventing relapse.

Your clinical team will work with you to develop a personalized discharge plan that typically includes:

• Ongoing Therapy: Recommendations for individual or group therapy.
• Support Groups: Suggestions for community-based support like 12-step programs or other peer support groups.
• Relapse Prevention Strategies: Tools and techniques to identify triggers and cope with cravings or difficult emotions.
• Community Integration: Strategies to re-engage with your social networks, hobbies, and responsibilities in a healthy way.

Stepping Down: PHP to Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Often, the next step after a PHP is transitioning to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This structured step-down allows you to gradually reduce the intensity of care while still receiving significant support.

• What is IOP?: An IOP offers fewer hours per week than a PHP (typically 9-15 hours) but continues to provide structured therapy, skill-building, and support.
• Ongoing Therapy: You’ll continue with individual and group therapy, building on the foundation established in PHP.
• Maintain Progress: IOPs are designed to help you maintain your progress and practice new coping skills in real-world situations with less clinical oversight.
• Flexibility: The reduced time commitment in an IOP offers more flexibility, allowing you to fully re-engage with work, school, or family while still prioritizing your mental health.
• Virtual IOP in Florida: For those in Florida, virtual IOPs provide an excellent option for this step-down, offering convenience and accessibility.

This continuum of care, from PHP to IOP and then to traditional outpatient services, is essential for building long-term resilience and fostering lasting recovery. Learn more about all our options on our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) page.

FAQs: Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) in Florida

What does a typical day in a Florida PHP look like?

A typical day in a Florida PHP is highly structured, generally running for 5–7 hours. It includes a mix of group therapy sessions, individual therapy, psychoeducational workshops (e.g., CBT and DBT skills), psychiatric check-ins for medication management, and a lunch break. The focus is on intensive skill-building and processing.

How long does a PHP last?

The duration of a PHP is individualized, but most programs typically last from a few weeks to several months. Your clinical team will assess your progress and needs to determine the appropriate length of stay before recommending a step-down to a less intensive level of care.

Can I work while in a PHP?

Traditional in-person PHPs are usually daytime programs, making it challenging to work full-time simultaneously. However, many modern programs, especially Virtual PHPs, offer evening options or more flexible schedules that can accommodate work or other responsibilities. It’s best to discuss your work commitments with the admissions team.

Does insurance cover PHP in Florida?

Yes, most major health insurance plans, including Cigna, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare Part B, cover Partial Hospitalization Programs as an essential mental health benefit. Coverage details like deductibles and copays vary by plan. We encourage you to Verify your insurance to understand your specific benefits.

What’s the difference between PHP and IOP?

PHP is a more intensive level of care than IOP. PHPs typically involve 20-40 hours of treatment per week, while IOPs offer 9-15 hours. PHP is often a step-down from inpatient care, offering robust daily support. IOP is a step-down from PHP, providing more flexibility for those ready to reintegrate further into daily life. Learn more about the distinctions.

Summary: Why Choosing the Right PHP in Florida Changes Everything

When you’re struggling with severe mental health challenges or addiction, every day counts. Choosing the right Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for adults in Florida isn’t just about finding a program; it’s about finding your fastest, most effective path to recovery. The right PHP offers the intensive, structured support you need to stabilize symptoms, build coping skills, and reintegrate into your life—all without the disruption of inpatient care. We’ve explored diverse program types, from evidence-based academic models to holistic and virtual options, each designed to meet unique needs. Don’t waste another moment in distress. Know your options, understand your insurance coverage, and take decisive action now.

Ready for support? Thrive offers virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs with evening options. Verify your insurance in 2 minutes (no obligation) → Start benefits check or call 561-203-6085. If you’re in crisis, call/text 988.