A Veteran's Guide to Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Effective mental healthcare for veterans requires more than clinical expertise. It demands a deep understanding of military culture, the nuances of service, and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. Without that cultural competency, veterans are often forced to spend their energy "translating" their own experiences, which becomes a barrier to care.
At Solara Mental Health, we close that gap.
This guide explains what a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is and why our approach—rooted in clinical excellence and military cultural competency—provides a more effective path to well-being for the veterans we serve.
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured, intensive mental health program that provides the same level of clinical care as a residential facility. The key difference is that after a full day of therapy (5-6 days a week), you return to your own residence or program-provided lodging.
This model provides a crucial "middle ground." It offers the structure and accountability needed for intensive therapeutic work while allowing you to practice and apply new skills in a real-world setting each evening. It is a practical, results-focused approach to building a healthier life.
Culturally Competent Clinical Care
The civilian-military divide is real, especially in healthcare. True progress in therapy requires trust, and trust is impossible when you feel misunderstood. The core of our program is built on military cultural competency.
Our clinical team is not only trained in evidence-based trauma therapies; they are trained to understand the context of your service.
Specialized Treatment for Service-Related Challenges
Our trauma-informed team has deep expertise in helping veterans navigate the challenges that often stem from military service. We provide targeted, evidence-based care for:
A Week of Structured, Trauma-Informed Care
Your week at Solara is predictable and purposeful, designed to maximize your therapeutic progress. Your schedule will include:
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Our Levels of Care
Understanding the differences between an IOP, PHP, and Residential Treatment is the first step toward finding the right support.
| Feature | Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) | Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) | Residential Treatment Program (RTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Treatment/Week | 9-15 hours | 9-15 hours | 20-30 hours | 24/7 immersive treatment |
| Living Situation | At home | At home | At home or in a sober living environment | At the treatment facility |
| Typical Duration | 8-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 30-90 days or longer |
| Primary Services |
|
All services of a traditional IOP delivered through a secure virtual platform. |
|
|
| Ideal Candidate | Individuals who have a stable and supportive home environment, can manage their daily responsibilities, and do not require 24-hour supervision. Often a step-down from a higher level of care. | Individuals who meet the criteria for an IOP but require the flexibility of remote treatment due to location, scheduling conflicts, or other personal circumstances. | Individuals who require a higher level of care than an IOP but do not need 24-hour inpatient care. They may have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders requiring more intensive treatment. | Individuals with severe substance use disorders or mental health conditions who require a highly structured and supervised environment to ensure safety and focus on recovery. This is often the first step for those with chronic addiction or recent relapse. |
| Flexibility | High flexibility, allowing clients to maintain work, school, and family commitments. | Highest flexibility due to the virtual format, eliminating travel time and offering more adaptable scheduling. | Moderate flexibility, as it requires a significant daily time commitment, but clients return home in the evenings. | Low flexibility, as it is a full-time commitment where the individual lives at the facility. |
Your Well-Being is the Mission.
We Handle the Logistics.
Accessing the care you've earned should be straightforward. Our team is dedicated to clearing every administrative and logistical hurdle.
Our admissions specialists are experts in the VA Community Care system and handle the entire authorization process on your behalf.
For veterans traveling to our San Diego facility, we coordinate and prepay for your travel to ensure a smooth arrival for treatment.
We recognize the critical support of all companion animals, from service dogs to pets, and welcome them to be part of your treatment program.
All aspects of your care are 100% confidential and protected by HIPAA.
Building a Healthier Future
The objective of our PHP is to equip you with the strategies, skills, and stability to thrive. We focus on tangible outcomes:
Have a Question About PHP?
Check our FAQs
Think of it in terms of time commitment. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is structured like a full-time job, with about six hours of therapy and skill-building, five days a week. It offers the highest level of outpatient support. An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is the next step down, typically involving three to four hours of therapy, three to four days a week, allowing more flexibility for work or family schedules.
The length of treatment is always based on your individual clinical needs and progress. While a typical stay in our PHP program ranges from 30 to 90 days, your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your goals.
Your days will be structured and purposeful. A typical day starts around 9:00 AM and includes a mix of individual therapy, skill-building workshops (like anger management or distress tolerance), and veteran-only process groups. You'll have a break for lunch and your day will usually conclude around 3:00 PM, leaving your evenings free.
Yes. For veterans who are eligible through the VA Community Care network, there is zero out-of-pocket cost for your treatment at Solara. This includes all clinical services.
You don't have to figure that out alone. That's our job. The first step is to call our admissions team. They are experts at navigating the VA system and will handle the entire benefits verification and authorization process for you, free of charge.
Evenings and weekends are your personal time. This time is crucial for resting, reflecting on your therapeutic work, practicing new skills, and connecting with family or friends by phone. Our team may also organize optional peer-led outings, like hikes or attending local sporting events.
Your companion is welcome as long as they are well-behaved, do not disrupt the therapeutic environment, and are up to date on all vaccinations. You are fully responsible for their care, including feeding, walking, and any other needs.
Yes. You will be assigned a primary therapist who will conduct your one-on-one sessions and manage your overall clinical progress throughout your time at Solara.
We understand this apprehension. Many veterans have had negative experiences in other settings. We encourage you to try our process groups, as they are a core component of the program's success. These groups are different—they are comprised solely of your veteran peers and are guided by a culturally competent clinician who ensures the environment is safe, respectful, and productive. Many veterans find it becomes the most valuable part of their treatment.
Absolutely. With your explicit consent, we can schedule family therapy sessions. Involving loved ones in the process can be a powerful part of healing, as it helps them understand your experience and learn how to best support your long-term well-being.
Your treatment at Solara is 100% confidential and protected by federal HIPAA laws. We cannot and will not release any information about your care to anyone—including employers, family members, or any government agency—without your explicit, written consent.