What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A Partial Hospitalization Program is a structured, daytime treatment program designed for children and adolescents who need more support than weekly therapy can provide, but who don’t require 24-hour inpatient care.

A PHP sits between inpatient hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming (IOP) on the continuum of behavioral healthcare. It’s often used in two situations: as a step down from inpatient treatment, or as a step up for those whose symptoms aren’t responding to traditional outpatient services.

At Streamwood, the PHP runs five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Participants spend their days in a structured, therapeutic environment building new skills, then return home each evening to practice what they’ve learned in real-life settings.

Who Is a PHP Designed For?

The PHP may be a good fit when a child or adolescent is experiencing emotional or behavioral concerns that are significantly interfering with their ability to function at school, at home or in social situations.

Common reasons a child or teen might be referred to PHP include:

• Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty managing intense emotions such as sadness, anger or fear
• Anxiety or depression: Symptoms that are affecting daily routines and relationships
• Behavioral concerns: Actions that are disruptive or harmful and that haven’t responded to less intensive treatment
• Transition from inpatient care: Needing continued structure and support after a hospital stay
• Escalating outpatient needs: When weekly therapy sessions are no longer providing enough support

Age-Based Programming

Children and adolescents aren’t all the same, and their treatment shouldn’t be either. At Streamwood, PHP participants are grouped by age to make sure therapeutic programming is developmentally appropriate and genuinely relevant to their lived experience.

The four age-based groups are:

• Tots (ages 4 to 6): Early childhood programming focused on emotional recognition, self-regulation and foundational coping skills
• Children (ages 7 to 10): Skill-building around emotional expression, problem-solving and healthy peer relationships
• Pre-Teens (ages 11 to 13): Targeted support for the unique social and emotional challenges of early adolescence
• Adolescents (ages 14 to 17): Programming that addresses identity, independence, mood concerns and decision-making

Each group uses evidence-based interventions tailored to the developmental needs and goals of its members.

What Happens During a PHP?

Days in the PHP are structured and purposeful. Therapeutic groups meet regularly throughout the day, with programming designed to build practical skills your child can use both in treatment and at home.

Group therapy sessions focus on areas such as:

• Emotion regulation
• Conflict resolution
• Anger management
• Coping with depression or anxiety
• Healthy decision-making

Treatment approaches used within the program include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that affect mood and behavior
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships
• Expressive Therapy: Uses creative modalities such as art or music to support emotional processing and communication
• Psychoeducation: Provides patients and families with knowledge about mental health concerns and the skills to manage them

In addition to group programming, each patient in PHP receives individual therapy and family therapy. Psychiatrists and advanced practice mental health nurse practitioners on the team provide medication consultation and management as needed.

Academic support

Missing school is a real concern for families during treatment. The PHP at Streamwood includes certified teachers who provide daily academic time, helping patients keep up with schoolwork throughout the program. These teachers can also offer guidance that may support a smoother return to a full-time academic environment after PHP.

Who Is On the Treatment Team?

PHP is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that brings together a range of behavioral health professionals. The team includes:

• Psychiatrists and advanced practice mental health nurse practitioners
• Specialized nursing staff
• Licensed therapists
• Expressive therapists
• Certified teachers
• Behavioral health technicians

Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan, developed collaboratively by the team and regularly reviewed to reflect progress toward goals.

How Long Does PHP Last?

Most patients participate in the Partial Hospitalization Program for 10 to 12 days, though this varies from person to person. The length of stay depends on each patient’s needs and their progress toward their treatment goals. Some patients may complete the program sooner; others may benefit from a longer stay.

Your child’s treatment team will regularly assess progress and communicate with your family throughout the process. 

Why Families Choose Streamwood’s PHP

Families across the Chicagoland area turn to Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System because of its long-standing commitment to behavioral healthcare for children, adolescents and young adults. Streamwood holds the distinction of being the first free-standing child, adolescent and young adult behavioral healthcare facility in the state of Illinois.

PHP at Streamwood offers:

• A structured, supportive environment: Programming is designed to be compassionate, positive and non-judgmental, so your child can focus on growth without fear of criticism
• Age-specific treatment: Separate programming for each developmental stage means care is genuinely relevant to your child’s experience
• Family involvement: Family therapy is built into the program, not added as an afterthought
• A clear path forward: PHP connects directly to IOP, so discharge is a transition, not an ending
• Academic continuity: Certified teachers help patients keep up with schoolwork throughout the program

Take the Next Step

When your child is struggling, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. The PHP at Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System is designed to provide the structure and therapeutic support children and adolescents need to build skills and begin to heal, while keeping your family connected throughout the process.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. To schedule an assessment or to learn more about PHP, contact the Outpatient Intake Department at 630-837-9000, extension 2074. Together, we can find the right path forward for your child and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions About PHP

What’s the difference between PHP and inpatient treatment?

Inpatient treatment involves staying overnight at the facility and receiving around-the-clock care. PHP is a daytime program. Patients attend treatment during the day and return home each evening. PHP is often used as a step down from inpatient care, or as a higher level of support than weekly outpatient therapy.

Does PHP include family therapy?

Yes. Family therapy is part of the PHP at Streamwood. Families are encouraged to be active participants in the treatment process, and the program is designed to support both patients and their loved ones.

Will my child fall behind in school during PHP?

Streamwood’s PHP includes daily academic time facilitated by certified teachers. This helps patients maintain progress with their schoolwork and can support a smoother return to their regular school environment after completing the program.

Is PHP covered by insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your plan. The team at Streamwood can help clarify what your insurance may cover. Contact the Outpatient Intake Department at 630-837-9000, extension 2074, to discuss your options.