Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) An Intensive Full-Day Program to Support Mental Health Recovery
The Inova Behavioral Health Services Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) uses proven, evidence-based best practices. This program can help people who are stepping down from inpatient care, providing structure and encouragement as individuals re-enter their family and community environments. This program can also be step up from outpatient care, with the goal of helping people avoid an inpatient psychiatric admission.
The program is offered at our outpatient center in Fairfax, VA, near Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. How long a person stays in the program depends on the specific goals and treatment plan, but most participants are in the program for one to two weeks.
PHP runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The backbone of PHP is therapy in small groups, with 8 to ten participants. Individual counseling is also provided. Participants learn to build on their existing skills and develop additional coping strategies. It is a positive, motivating environment.
Program Components
- Detailed intake assessment and evaluation
- Individualized treatment plan with a multidisciplinary team approach
- Patient-directed goal setting
- Progress tracking through assessments taken at different intervals throughout treatment that is tracked by therapists
- Group therapy sessions throughout the day, covering a range of topics including cognitive behavioral therapy, skill building, goal setting and medication education
- Medication management, including adjustment and monitoring, with one-on-one meetings with physicians
- Safety planning, with a focus on suicide prevention
- Smooth transition to the next level of care
Our Team
PHP’s multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, nurses and other behavioral health professionals.
Location: Inova Behavioral Health Services - Outpatient - Merrifield Center - Adults (Serving Fairfax)
Staff Psychiatrists:
FAQs – Adult Mental Health Outpatient Partial Hospitalization Program
What is the length of PHP treatment?
Most people remain in PHP for one to two weeks.
What happens if I miss days? How many days can I miss?
PHP is designed for medication monitoring and is built around daily group therapy, so absences are discouraged. Any planned absences should be coordinated with your doctor. Staff follow up on every absence to ensure participants’ well-being. Two consecutive absences are considered a sign that an individual is unable to participate at this level of care, and another alternative is likely to be explored and recommended.
Can I attend PHP for a half day so that I don’t have to miss work?
No. PHP is designed as a full-day program, and daily attendance to all services is required.
Can I get a letter for my employer that excuses me from work while in PHP?
Yes. Please ask for this letter when you begin the program.
Can I get a letter for my employer that excuses me from some work after the program ends?
No. We only write the letter to support your absence from work for the days you attend PHP.
Can I get a letter to support my application for short-term disability?
This decision would be made by your physician after you enter PHP.
Can I see my private practice, outpatient psychiatrist while I am in PHP?
While we coordinate care with your outside physician, we ask that only the PHP physician manages your treatment while you are at this level of care.
Can I see my own private practice, outpatient therapist while I am in PHP?
Yes, provided the appointments are after program hours (i.e., 4 p.m. or later).
Will my medications be changed?
The physician who coordinates your care will work with you to make any adjustments needed to help address your symptoms and improve your health.
Will I have individual therapy while in PHP?
Yes. You will have a primary counselor who meets with you to plan and follow up with how to best meet your goals by capitalizing on your strengths and removing obstacles that are preventing you from reaching your goals.