Can Adults Continue Working While in a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Yes, some adults can continue working while participating in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), though it often requires careful planning and schedule adjustments. PHPs typically run during the day, 4-6 hours per day, 5 days per week, making it possible to work part-time, maintain flexible hours, or transition to evening shifts. At Hope’s Destiny, we understand that adults often carry multiple responsibilities. That’s why we work closely with each person to create a treatment plan that respects both their healing process and their life outside of care.

What Is PHP?

A partial hospitalization program is a structured mental health treatment option that offers intensive clinical support without requiring a person to stay overnight in a facility. It’s a step below inpatient care in terms of intensity but provides more support than traditional outpatient therapy. PHP is ideal for individuals who need focused help for mental health or co-occurring substance use concerns but can still safely live at home and manage aspects of their daily routine.

At Hope’s Destiny, our PHP operates five days per week, with participants attending treatment for a minimum of 25 hours per week. Most clients are in the program for around 2 to 6 weeks, but the exact timeline is personalized based on clinical recommendations and individual progress.

Each day is thoughtfully structured to include:

• Morning check-ins to assess how you’re feeling and set intentions for the day
• Individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT
• Skills-based workshops focused on emotional regulation, stress management, and relapse prevention
• Regular meetings with psychiatric providers for medication support, if needed
• Therapeutic activities such as art, music, yoga, and somatic therapies to promote healing

Evenings are left free, allowing adults to return home and, in some cases, continue working or caring for loved ones. This blend of intensive treatment and personal freedom makes PHP a valuable and realistic option for many adults navigating recovery.

Work and PHP: What to Consider

Balancing work with intensive mental health treatment requires thoughtful planning and honest self-assessment. At Hope’s Destiny, we understand that every person’s situation is unique, and we’re here to help you evaluate whether continuing to work during PHP aligns with your recovery goals.

Understanding Your Personal Circumstances

Several key factors influence whether working during PHP is appropriate for you:

• Current Symptoms: How your mental health affects your ability to handle workplace demands
• Treatment Schedule: Our PHP runs five days per week (25+ hours), typically during business hours
• Work Environment: Your job’s flexibility, stress levels, and available accommodations
• Support System: Resources at work, home, and within your community
• Energy Capacity: Your ability to manage both treatment and work responsibilities
• Financial Needs: Understanding your options for leave, disability, or reduced hours

Compatible Work Arrangements

Some work situations tend to align better with PHP participation:

• Remote or hybrid positions offering schedule flexibility
• Evening or weekend shifts that don’t conflict with treatment hours
• Part-time roles with adjustable hours
• Project-based work with negotiable deadlines
• Self-employed or freelance positions
• Jobs with supportive management and strong HR policies

Benefits and Considerations

Working during PHP can offer meaningful advantages while navigating your recovery journey. Beyond providing essential financial stability and career continuity, maintaining employment adds valuable structure to your daily life. The workplace environment creates natural opportunities to practice new coping skills learned in treatment, while professional engagement often boosts confidence and self-worth. Staying connected with your professional network provides a sense of normalcy and additional support during this important transition.

However, balancing work with intensive treatment requires careful consideration of your overall well-being. Recovery work demands substantial emotional and mental energy, and your treatment success depends mainly on your ability to engage in the healing process fully. Workplace demands impact your progress, particularly if certain situations trigger symptoms you’re working to manage. We must protect the non-negotiable components of recovery, such as adequate rest and dedicated self-care time. While work can provide stability and purpose, remember that your primary focus during PHP should be establishing a strong foundation for lasting mental wellness.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

If you decide to continue working during PHP, consider these strategies:

• Start with reduced hours if possible
• Communicate clear boundaries with your employer
• Monitor your energy levels and stress responses
• Maintain open dialogue with your treatment team
• Have a backup plan if work becomes overwhelming
• Remember that prioritizing treatment now strengthens your long-term career potential

Our team will work closely with you to find the right balance between treatment and work responsibilities. Whether you continue working or take a temporary pause, we’re committed to supporting your journey toward sustainable mental health and professional success.

How Hope’s Destiny Accommodates Working Adults

Our comprehensive support system makes intensive treatment more accessible for working professionals. Through flexible scheduling options and individualized planning, we help clients maintain their career momentum while prioritizing their mental health journey.

Our treatment team creates individualized care plans that consider your work obligations, offering adjustable session scheduling, evening group therapy options, and hybrid treatment combinations that blend in-person and virtual sessions. As your needs evolve during treatment, we continuously review and adjust these plans to ensure they remain manageable.

To streamline your experience, each client is paired with a dedicated care coordinator who serves as their primary point of contact throughout treatment. They can provide necessary documentation for work accommodations, assist with FMLA or short-term disability paperwork, and offer guidance on communicating with employers. Regular progress reviews ensure we address any work-related challenges promptly and effectively.

Beyond basic scheduling flexibility, we offer specialized support services, including career counseling, workplace stress management, and communication skills training. Through these services, you’ll develop practical strategies for handling workplace triggers, setting healthy boundaries, and managing time effectively. We also provide comprehensive return-to-work planning and support to ensure a smooth transition as you progress through treatment.

When appropriate, and with your permission, we can work directly with your employer to explain treatment requirements, discuss necessary accommodations, and develop gradual return-to-work plans. Our goal is to help you receive the full benefits of treatment while maintaining your professional stability, supporting both your recovery and career success.

Alternatives for Working Professionals

For adults who cannot step away from work completely, there are treatment options beyond PHP that still provide meaningful support while offering more flexibility. These alternatives allow you to prioritize your mental health without entirely putting your career on hold.

• Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a similar level of care with greater scheduling flexibility. The program consists of three-hour sessions, 3-5 days per week, with flexible morning or evening scheduling options. This allows you to maintain your work schedule while still receiving comprehensive mental health support.
• Our Outpatient Program (OP) provides comprehensive care through 1-2 weekly sessions of at least one hour. This option enables you to maintain your full work schedule while receiving therapy, medication management, and other essential support services.

Some professionals find success with a gradual transition approach. This might mean starting with a leave of absence for PHP, then stepping down to IOP as you prepare to return to work. Others may start with outpatient care and adjust the intensity of treatment as needed. We work with you to find the right level of care that matches both your clinical needs and professional circumstances.

For those needing to temporarily pause work, we help you explore various options such as short-term disability, FMLA protection, or paid leave benefits. Our team can assist with documentation and planning to protect your job security while you focus on recovery. Remember that taking time away from work isn’t a setback. It’s an investment in your long-term well-being and career sustainability.

As you progress in treatment, we develop a personalized return-to-work plan that sets you up for success. This might include gradually increasing work hours, identifying workplace supports, and developing strategies to maintain your mental health while managing professional responsibilities. Our goal is to help you build a sustainable balance between your career and well-being.

Let’s Talk. We’re Here to Help!

Taking the step to ask for help can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Hope’s Destiny, our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through the options that best fit your needs. Whether you’re balancing work and treatment, supporting a loved one, or simply exploring what care might look like, we’ll meet you with compassion and respect.

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re committing to a program right away. It’s simply starting a conversation about your goals and challenges. From your very first call, we’ll walk alongside you, providing clear information, compassionate guidance, and reassurance that healing is possible.

Your well-being matters. If you’re ready to take the next step, or even if you’re just curious about what support might look like, contact Hope’s Destiny today to schedule a confidential assessment. Together, we’ll find the path forward that works for you.