Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Orange County

The length of time a person spends engaged with a PHP varies greatly. PHPs often last a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s progress in treatment. At Cornerstone, we believe wholeheartedly that recovery is neither a race nor a competition. Rushing any stage of the treatment process can cause a relapse. With this in mind, the length of stay each person requires within our PHP is completely dependent on the needs of the individual.

Our Orange County day treatment program runs seven days a week, but your personalized treatment plan will determine the number of days in the week that you need to attend. The aim is to maintain abstinence, build strength, and provide you with the tools that support your recovery journey and lasting recovery.

Day treatment, or what many call PHP, is a less restrictive step down from detox, stabilization, or residential treatment than inpatient programs, allowing the person seeking help to experience more independent living for a few hours a day after treatment, and it can also support those stepping down from care for co-occurring mental health conditions. It is set up similarly to the residential program during the day, but individuals can go home at night. This program meets anywhere from 4 to 7 days a week, starting at 8:30 am and lasting through to the mid to late afternoon on some days.

What Will I Do in a PHP?

Our comprehensive recovery program in Orange County with leading addiction professionals will begin at 8:30 a.m. every day. This level of care supports clients with substance use issues and co-occurring disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health challenges.

Some of what you can expect is listed below:

●       Group Therapy:  Delivered by qualified addiction professionals, these groups focus on life skills development, relapse prevention, and stress management. Daily group sessions also build emotional regulation, communication skills, and mutual support.

●       Individual Therapy:  You will meet regularly with an assigned addictions therapist in one-on-one therapy sessions, using evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Here, you work intensively to further explore addiction and maintain abstinence.

●       Medically-Assisted Treatment: Many clients still suffer from physical complications due to their substance abuse and require medical oversight during withdrawal and detox. Your comfort is important to us and we are confident in addressing any medical needs that arise.

●       Aftercare Services: We encourage a client-led aftercare plan; together we begin to build the future. This can include things like our sober living homes right here in Southern California, participating in our alumni programs, family therapy, education for family members, and community support groups.

●       Holistic Approach: Cornerstone’s holistic approach to addiction includes activities and sessions such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness, music, and art therapy along with a wide range of social activities. Used in conjunction with traditional treatment modalities, we are able to deliver a rounded and balanced program.

Day treatment at Cornerstone PHP usually ends mid-afternoon. PHPs involve several hours of treatment each day, while outpatient programs (such as IOPs) are typically about 3 hours per day. Make the most of your recovery community at Cornerstone by planning an activity for the evenings, whether that be attending a meeting or having fun; the free time granted by a PHP is best used constructively.

Am I Allowed to Go Home at Night?

Yes, but we have noticed that many individuals find home life challenging, especially in early recovery, and this can be true for people facing addiction or mental health issues. The chaos that addiction causes can make returning home difficult. Cornerstone provides licensed recovery homes as part of our extended care program; these offer a supportive living environment and are perfectly situated for those engaging in our partial hospitalization program. Remember—stable and supportive housing is vital in recovery.

Will Insurance Companies Cover PHP Treatment in Orange County?

Insurance companies often use this program to allow individuals to continue in a daytime, highly structured, and therapeutically supported environment while allowing them to consider coupling with a licensed recovery residence instead of going back home, and insurers often approve PHP for individuals who need more support than standard outpatient care. For many, a PHP is an opportunity to gradually transition back to the community, have some independent 12-step meetings, go on outings with known sponsors or 12-step members, attend educational workshops, build mindfulness practices, and have some space to allow for more social connections in recovery.

Transitioning back to a healthy, sober life is just that: a transition. Cornerstone’s PHP is designed for people in Orange County and nearby areas who need structured support and intensive treatment while living at home or in a recovery residence, with a focus on building independence without losing clinical guidance.

Cornerstone has a large outpatient facility where we offer day and evening programs for individuals and their families. We also offer continuing care, aftercare, and alumni meetings for our residents. Many individuals use most major insurance plans and major insurance providers for PHP coverage, but benefits vary. Contact our admissions team for help with the admissions process, insurance verification, and understanding out-of-pocket costs, including copays and deductibles.