Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program

When weekly therapy isn’t enough — but inpatient care isn’t necessary — Willowbrooke at Tanner provides a higher level of support to help you or your child regain stability and move forward.

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offer structured, evidence-based care during the day so patients can return home each evening.

These programs are designed to reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills and improve daily functioning while keeping you connected to school, work and family.

To reduce barriers to care, transportation and meals are provided for Partial Hospitalization Program participants.

What is a partial hospitalization program?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a short-term, highly structured level of care for individuals who need intensive daytime treatment but do not require 24-hour inpatient monitoring.

PHP helps stabilize acute symptoms, reduce safety risks and build practical skills that support recovery at home and in the community.

Our Partial Hospitalization Program typically includes:

Several hours of programming daily, usually five days per week
Individual therapy tailored to your goals
Daily group therapy focused on skills and peer support
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
Skills training and psychoeducation, including CBT and DBT tools
Safety planning and crisis prevention
Family involvement when appropriate

Participants attend during the day and return home each evening. Transportation and meals are provided to support consistent attendance and recovery.

PHP is often appropriate for individuals experiencing:

Bipolar disorder and mood instability
Severe anxiety or depression
Self-harm behaviors
Substance use concerns

Suicidal thoughts without need for inpatient care
Trauma-related symptoms
Transition from inpatient hospitalization

What is an intensive outpatient program?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) delivers structured therapy with fewer hours per week than PHP, making it easier to continue school, work and family responsibilities.

IOP provides more support than weekly counseling while helping you practice skills in real life between sessions.

Our Intensive Outpatient Program typically includes:

Individual counseling
Multiple therapy sessions each week
Psychiatric oversight as needed
Relapse prevention and safety planning
Skill-focused group therapy for coping and recovery
Family engagement when helpful

IOP may be recommended for individuals who:

Are in recovery from substance use
Are managing moderate symptoms
Are stepping down from PHP
Need more support than weekly therapy provides

PHP vs IOP: How they differ

Both the Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program use evidence-based therapies and include psychiatric care. The primary difference is intensity and time commitment.

PHP provides daily structure and longer sessions.
IOP offers a more flexible schedule with fewer hours per week.

Program	Intensity	Typical schedule	Best for	Common use
PHP	Higher intensity	About five days per week, several hours per day	Acute symptoms; need for daily support	Step-down from inpatient or step-up from weekly therapy
IOP	Moderate intensity	Three to four days per week, around three hours per day	Moderate symptoms; able to manage daily routines	Step-down from PHP or alternative to hospitalization Child PHP and IOP

Child PHP and IOP

Children and families deserve specialized care and clear guidance. Our child Partial Hospitalization Program and child Intensive Outpatient Program are designed for school-age children with significant emotional or behavioral challenges.

Family participation is encouraged to reinforce skills at home and school.

Child programming includes:

Behavioral interventions and structured support plans
Coordination with schools when needed
Developmentally appropriate group therapy
Emotional regulation and coping skills training
Parent and caregiver involvement
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management

Children may benefit when facing depression, severe anxiety, behavioral dysregulation, trauma-related symptoms or difficulty functioning at school. These programs help families build stability and confidence.

Adult PHP and IOP

Our adult Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program provide focused treatment for adults navigating significant mental health or substance use concerns.

Care plans are personalized and goal-driven to stabilize symptoms and strengthen long-term coping strategies.

Adult programming may include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training
Medication management

Peer support groups
Relapse prevention planning
Trauma-informed therapy

Whether you need PHP to address acute concerns or IOP to maintain progress, our team will help you choose the right path.

Conditions we treat

Our programs support individuals experiencing:

Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder and mood instability
Major depressive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Self-harm behaviors
Substance use disorders
Co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions

Treatment plans are customized following a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Benefits of PHP and IOP

Both programs are designed to stabilize symptoms and promote independence so you can return to the activities and relationships that matter most.

Intensive, evidence-based therapy with measurable goals
Psychiatric oversight and medication management
Reduced need for inpatient hospitalization
Skill-building for long-term stability
Structured daily or weekly support
Supportive peer environment
Transportation and meals for PHP participants

PHP and IOP frequently asked questions

How do I know if PHP or IOP is right?
Start with a clinical assessment. If symptoms disrupt daily life but do not require 24-hour care, PHP or IOP may be recommended.

How long do programs last?
Length varies based on progress and clinical needs. Many participants engage for several weeks and may step up or step down between programs.

Is transportation available?
Yes. Transportation is provided for PHP participants.

Are meals provided?
Yes. Meals are provided during PHP program hours.

Will I see a psychiatrist?
Yes. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are integrated into both child and adult programs when clinically appropriate.

Can I continue school or work?
IOP is designed to accommodate work and school schedules. PHP requires more daytime participation and may require coordination with your employer or school.