Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Massachusetts
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), known in Massachusetts as day treatment, gives you structured clinical care several hours a day while you return home each evening. It blends evidence-based therapy with holistic healing every day, and it is often the right first step after detox.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) / Day Treatment?
A Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP, is the most supportive level of outpatient addiction care. In Massachusetts, you will often hear it called day treatment, the two terms mean the same thing here, since the state licenses PHP as day treatment. It sits between residential care and less intensive outpatient programs: you get structured, almost-daily clinical treatment, then go home to your own bed each night.
At New Wave, PHP means several hours of programming a day, multiple days a week, combining evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT, group and individual sessions, and holistic care woven in every day. It is intensive enough to create real momentum, especially right after detox, while still letting you stay connected to your home and family. Think of it as a strong, supported foundation for everything that follows.
What Does a Day in New Wave's PHP Look Like?
No two days feel exactly alike, because our schedule rotates to keep recovery from becoming a grind. A typical day blends clinical and holistic work: you might start with a grounding mindfulness or meditation session, move into a structured group on coping skills or relapse prevention led by a licensed clinician, meet one-on-one with your therapist, then close the day with something restorative like a sound bath, Reiki, or recovery yoga.
Lunch and breaks are built in, and the pace is supportive rather than punishing. You return home each evening to practice what you are learning in real life. It is structure with warmth, the New Wave way.
Is PHP or IOP Right for Me?
PHP (Day Treatment) is usually the right fit if you are coming out of detox, dealing with strong cravings or unstable symptoms, or you simply need more daily structure to get steady. As you build stability, most people step down to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which offers fewer hours and more flexibility for work and family. You do not have to choose alone; our team assesses what you need now and adjusts as you grow.
| PHP (Day Treatment) | IOP | |
|---|---|---|
| Intensity | Most supportive level | A step down, lighter |
| Schedule | Several hours a day, ~5 days/week | A few hours a day, ~3 days/week |
| Best for | Early recovery, often right after detox | Balancing treatment with work or family |
| Work & family | Daytime commitment | Day and evening options |
Holistic Care, Every Day
What sets our PHP apart is that holistic healing is not an occasional extra here, it happens every day. Reiki, sound bowls, recovery yoga, and mindfulness are part of the daily schedule alongside the clinical work, because we treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Explore our holistic therapies
A Typical Day in Day Treatment
Every day blends clinical work with holistic healing, and the schedule rotates so recovery never feels like a grind. Here is what a typical PHP day can look like.
9:00 AM
Morning check-in & mindfulness
Arrive, settle in, and start the day grounded with a guided mindfulness or meditation session.
10:00 AM
Clinical process group
A structured group led by a licensed clinician on coping skills, triggers, or relapse prevention.
11:30 AM
Individual therapy
One-on-one time with your own therapist to work through what is underneath the addiction.
12:30 PM
Lunch & connection
A real break to refuel and connect with peers who understand the journey.
1:30 PM
Skills or education group
Evidence-based group work, from CBT and DBT skills to understanding addiction and health.
3:00 PM
Holistic therapy
Close the day with something restorative, a sound bath, Reiki, or recovery yoga.
Sample schedule for illustration. Your actual daily structure is set during intake.
Where This Fits in Your Recovery
Our programs connect into one seamless journey, and you keep the same therapist as you move through them. Explore the other levels of care at New Wave.
1
Step 1: Detox
We connect you with a trusted detox partner, then welcome you back.
2
Step 2: PHP / Day Treatment
Our most supportive outpatient level.
Care that feels different
We were founded by people in long-term recovery, so the way we treat you comes from having been where you are. That shows up in everything we do.
Founded by people in recovery
When you call New Wave, you talk to someone who has walked this path, not a call center. This is personal for us.
The same therapist throughout
You keep your private therapist as you move between levels of care, so your progress is never interrupted and you never start over.
Holistic care, every day
Reiki, yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness are woven into daily treatment alongside evidence-based therapy, not offered once in a while.
Our Salisbury Facility
Recovery is easier in a space that feels safe and human. Our Salisbury center was designed to feel calm and welcoming, with comfortable group rooms, private therapy spaces, and our signature Zen Den for holistic work.
- Warm, non-institutional spaces
- Dedicated Zen Den for holistic therapy
- Transportation assistance available
- Easy to reach from across the North Shore
Recovery that people remember
Insurance & payment: Contact our team and we will work with you to verify insurance benefits.
Fill out our form and contact us for additional assistance
PHP / Day Treatment FAQs
Want to talk to a real person? Call us, someone in recovery will answer.
What is the difference between PHP and day treatment?
In Massachusetts, they are the same thing. The state licenses Partial Hospitalization Programs as day treatment, so you may see both terms used for the same level of care.
How many hours a week is PHP?
PHP is our most intensive outpatient level, with structured care several hours a day, multiple days a week (generally 20 or more hours weekly). Your exact schedule is set during intake.
How long does PHP last?
It depends on your needs and progress, but most people attend our PHP (Day Treatment) for about 6 weeks before stepping down to IOP.
Is PHP inpatient?
No. PHP is an outpatient program. You attend structured treatment during the day and return home each evening.
Do I need detox before PHP?
Sometimes. If you are physically dependent, detox usually comes first. We do not provide detox on site, but we connect you with a trusted partner and welcome you back for PHP once you are stable.
What happens after PHP?
Many people step down to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), then our ongoing support program, keeping the same therapist throughout.
Does insurance cover PHP / day treatment?
Often yes. We are in-network with WellSense and approved through MassHealth (the plan we accept is WellSense). Our team can verify your benefits.
Is holistic care part of PHP?
Yes. Reiki, sound bowls, recovery yoga, and mindfulness are woven into the PHP schedule every day, alongside evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT.
Keep learning
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Build Your Foundation in Day Treatment
If you need structured, supportive care to get steady, our PHP is here. Call and we will help you see if it is the right fit.
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