Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
Who is it for?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a comprehensive, full-day therapeutic program. It is designed specifically for autistic adults who require high-level, daily clinical intervention.
- Full-Day Immersion: Provides a structured clinical environment from morning to afternoon.
- A Bridge to Independence: Focuses on stabilizing acute symptoms and building the skills necessary for lower levels of care, like IOP.
- Home-Based Recovery: Clients receive hospital-level intensity during the day but return to their own homes and families in the evening.
- Holistic Support: Combines psychiatric oversight, individual therapy, and group skill-building.
The PHP is ideal for autistic adults and individuals who have behavioral health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD. It is specifically designed for those who:
- Need Intensive Stabilization: You are experiencing a crisis or a significant decline in your ability to function daily.
- Require More Than a Half-Day: Your symptoms are currently too intense for a traditional 3-hour IOP.
- Are Transitioning Back to the Community: You are stepping down from an inpatient hospital stay and need a “safety net” to prevent relapse.
- Experience Significant Emotional Dysregulation: You need a high-frequency therapeutic environment to learn how to manage intense emotions and sensory overload.
About The PHP Program
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers the highest level of structured care for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. It provides intensive, personalized support while living at home, helping individuals build independence and transition to lower levels of care.
Treatment Approach
Our PHP takes a collaborative approach, focusing on stabilization and skill-building across nine essential areas of growth:
- Emotional Regulation: Learning to identify and manage intense feelings.
- Self-Care & Coping Strategies: Developing sensory-friendly tools for daily stress.
- Social Skills Development: Navigating social nuances in a supportive peer environment.
- Healthy Relationship Building: Establishing boundaries and meaningful connections.
- Effective Communication: Learning to advocate for your needs as a neurodivergent adult.
- Self-Direction & Independence: Building the confidence to manage your own life choices.
- Behavioral Readiness: Preparing for future academic or vocational success.
- Medication Management: Supervised psychiatric support to ensure clinical stability.
- Leisure & Recreational Activities: Finding joy and balance through structured activities.
Program Schedule
- Duration: Typically 4 to 6 weeks, though this depends entirely on your specific needs and progress.
- Days: Monday through Friday.
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Structure: 5 days per week, 6 hours per day, including a dedicated lunch hour and brief sensory breaks.
Admission Criteria
Diagnosis & Level of Care
Individuals must have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis alongside autism or another developmental disability. Their needs must align with the level of care provided by our outpatient program, which includes structured, intensive behavioral health support in a therapeutic setting.
Functional Needs
The program is intended for individuals who are not actively suicidal and do not have active substance use issues, but who still require more support than traditional outpatient therapy. These individuals should benefit from a structured day program offering behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric support.
Engagement & Readiness
Participants must be willing and able to actively engage in group activities and individual therapy. Caregivers or support persons may assist as needed to support participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a PHP the same as being in a hospital?
No. While it offers the same intensity as hospital care, you do not stay overnight. You go home every afternoon to your own environment.
Does insurance cover the Autism PHP?
Yes, most major PPO insurance plans cover PHP as it is a medically necessary level of behavioral health care.
What happens after I finish the PHP?
Most clients “step down” to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to continue practicing their skills with less clinical hours.
Will I see a psychiatrist?
Yes. Medication management and psychiatric oversight are core components of our PHP track.
Is the environment sensory-friendly?
Absolutely. Our Los Angeles center is designed with neurodivergent needs in mind, including quiet zones and sensory-regulated spaces.
Can my family be involved in my PHP treatment?
Absolutely. Our Los Angeles center is designed with neurodivergent needs in mind, including quiet zones and sensory-regulated spaces.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No, you can contact us directly for an assessment, though we often coordinate with doctors and hospitals for transitions.
What is a typical day like?
A mix of individual therapy, specialized group sessions (like social skills or DBT), lunch, and medication check-ins.
What if I have trouble with groups?
Our staff is trained to help you acclimate. If groups are too overstimulating, we can discuss a transition to our Individual track.
How do I start the admission process?
Call our Los Angeles team or fill out our online form to schedule a clinical assessment.