When it comes to finding the right level of care, a PHP mental health program can provide the structure, support, and healing environment many women need to thrive. PHP—short for partial hospitalization program—bridges the gap between inpatient treatment and outpatient therapy. It offers the intensive therapeutic focus of residential care while still allowing women to return home in the evenings.
At Casa Serena, we know that healing doesn’t look the same for every woman. Our women-only, trauma-informed program in Santa Barbara has been helping women reclaim their lives for over 65 years. With a balance of evidence-based therapies, holistic practices, and a community of women supporting women, our PHP provides the compassionate structure you need to begin your journey toward lasting recovery.
What Is a PHP Mental Health Program?
A PHP mental health program is one of the most supportive options available for women who need more than outpatient therapy but do not require 24/7 residential treatment. In this level of care, clients spend most of the day in structured therapy and skill-building sessions, then return home—or to supportive housing—in the evenings.
PHPs are designed to provide intensive support while still allowing you to maintain aspects of your daily life. A typical day may include:
- Individual and group therapy focused on trauma, anxiety, depression, or other challenges.
- Holistic approaches like yoga, mindfulness, or somatic experiencing.
- Skills practice to help with emotional regulation, coping, and communication.
- Medication management, as needed.
This structure offers the best of both worlds: a high level of therapeutic engagement in a safe, supportive setting, paired with the opportunity to apply new skills outside of treatment hours. For many women, PHP is a turning point, providing stability, accountability, and the confidence to move forward in their recovery.
Benefits of PHP Mental Health Treatment
Choosing a partial hospitalization program can offer unique advantages that meet women where they are in their healing journey. At Casa Serena, PHP provides a balance of structure, compassion, and empowerment designed to foster both emotional stability and personal growth.
Structured and supportive care
One of the greatest strengths of PHP is the consistency it provides. Women participate in daily therapeutic programming that may include evidence-based treatments like CBT, DBT, or EMDR, along with holistic practices. This structure fosters a rhythm of care that supports healing, reduces the risk of relapse, and promotes long-term resilience.
Community and peer support
Healing happens in connection, not isolation. PHP offers a safe environment to share experiences with peers who understand your challenges. At Casa Serena, this sense of community is amplified by our women-supporting-women model, where every client plays a part in helping with the household and learns life skills while building meaningful relationships.
Trauma-informed healing
Many women arrive at treatment carrying the weight of trauma. A PHP rooted in trauma-informed care ensures safety, trust, and empowerment. Casa Serena’s staff are trained to recognize triggers and create a healing environment where clients feel seen, heard, and respected. This foundation allows women to work through difficult emotions in a supportive space.
Flexibility and balance
Unlike residential treatment, PHP allows women to return home—or to a sober living residence—at night. This flexibility allows clients to apply their skills in real-world settings while balancing responsibilities such as family care, school, or work. It’s an empowering step for women who need intensive care but also want to stay engaged with their lives outside of treatment.
Casa Serena’s Approach to PHP Mental Health
At Casa Serena, we believe that women heal best in a safe, supportive community designed with their unique needs in mind. Our PHP program reflects over 65 years of dedication to helping women reclaim their lives, guided by our philosophy: “Treatment for Women, by Women.”
Evidence-based and holistic therapies
Our PHP integrates the best of clinical and holistic care. Women benefit from therapies such as:
- CBT, DBT, and EMDR for emotional regulation and trauma recovery.
- Somatic Experiencing and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) to address the mind-body connection.
- Equine-Assisted Therapy, EcoTherapy, and Garden Therapy to encourage healing through nature and connection.
- Body-Mind Balance and Tai Chi to promote calm and resilience.
Together, these approaches create a well-rounded treatment experience that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while providing practical tools for everyday life.
Integrity over numbers
As a nonprofit, Casa Serena has always been guided by ethics and compassion rather than profit margins. For decades, we have focused on providing care with integrity, helping women find strength, hope, and the confidence to build a new life.
Is a PHP Right for You?
Deciding whether a PHP mental health program is the right fit can feel overwhelming. PHP is often recommended for women who need more structure and support than outpatient therapy but who are stable enough to live outside of 24/7 residential care. It provides a bridge between the intensity of inpatient treatment and the flexibility of outpatient programs.
You may benefit from a PHP if you are:
- Struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma that affects your daily functioning.
- Transitioning out of detox or residential treatment and needing step-down support.
- Seeking intensive therapy but want to maintain family, work, or school responsibilities.
- Looking for a community of women who understand and support your healing journey.
If these situations sound familiar, Casa Serena’s PHP may be the right next step. Here, you’ll find structured therapy, holistic care, and a community that encourages growth—without giving up your connections to everyday life.
Finding Strength Through PHP Mental Health Care
Choosing the right level of care is an essential step on the path to recovery. A PHP mental health program provides the structure, therapies, and community support many women need to heal, grow, and regain a sense of balance. At Casa Serena, we’ve seen firsthand how PHP can help women move from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to finding strength, confidence, and hope for the future.
For more than 65 years, we’ve built a safe and supportive environment where women can face challenges without judgment and discover the resilience they carry within. With evidence-based therapies, holistic practices, and a community of women who truly understand, our PHP offers a foundation for lasting healing.
If you’re ready to take the next step, Casa Serena is here to walk alongside you. Contact us today to learn more about our PHP mental health program and begin your journey toward recovery.
FAQs About PHP Mental Health Programs
What is the difference between PHP and residential treatment?
Residential treatment provides 24/7 care in a structured environment, often best for women who need constant support and monitoring. A PHP program, by contrast, offers full days of intensive therapy but allows clients to return home—or to a sober living residence—at night. This flexibility makes PHP a strong option for women who still need significant support but are ready to start practicing independence.
How does PHP mental health treatment compare to IOP?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) typically meets a few hours a day, several days a week. A PHP is more intensive, with programming that usually runs five to seven days a week for most of the day. PHP offers the structure and accountability many women need before stepping down into IOP. At Casa Serena, we provide both PHP and IOP, ensuring that women can move seamlessly through the continuum of care.
Does Casa Serena offer PHP for individuals with dual diagnoses?
Yes. Many women struggle with both mental health challenges and substance use disorders at the same time. Our PHP is specifically designed to address these co-occurring conditions. By combining trauma-informed therapy with specialized addiction treatment, Casa Serena helps women heal both the mind and body in an integrated way.
How long does a PHP mental health program usually last?
The length of a PHP depends on each woman’s unique needs and progress. On average, women may participate in PHP for four to six weeks, but some may need a shorter or longer stay. At Casa Serena, treatment plans are always individualized to honor each woman’s pace of healing.
