The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Turning Point Centers is an important part of our continuum of care, available for adults age 18 and older who are just entering our Utah facility, are stepping down from residential programming, or are stepping up from another level of outpatient care. In our PHP, clients can receive intensive support for mental health conditions or co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns.
What is Partial Hospitalization?
Partial hospitalization is a structured daytime program that bridges the gap between 24/7 residential care and more flexible outpatient services. This level of care is ideal for individuals who require focused support to address emotional and behavioral symptoms.
Clients participate in a well-organized schedule that includes individual and group therapies, skill-building sessions, and experiential activities. In a safe, welcoming environment, clients can receive the clinical care they need to improve their overall well-being.
After programming concludes each day, clients can return to their homes or to our transitional living community for the remainder of the evening. This balance between therapy and personal time allows clients to access essential mental health and addiction support while maintaining their connections to their home lives.
Who We Serve in Our PHP
Our PHP is designed to provide different types of support based on different needs. To accomplish this, we offer two separate program tracks:
- Primary mental health track: Tailored for individuals who are facing conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related concerns
- Dual diagnosis (mental health and addiction) track: Supports those who have a primary mental health diagnosis as well as a substance use disorder diagnosis
In both tracks, we employ the latest research and best practices to promote whole-person healing and sustainable recovery.
Partial hospitalization programs may be suitable for people who:
- Are transitioning from a residential setting
- Require a higher level of support than other outpatient services can offer
- Cannot commit to full-time care due to personal or professional obligations
- Are in the early stages of their healing journey and need continued support to prevent setbacks and maintain their progress
What To Expect in Our Partial Hospitalization Program
Clients in our PHP participate in a carefully planned schedule that is full of therapeutic and educational activities. While specific schedules may vary, a typical day in our PHP might include:
- Morning reflections: The morning starts with a reflections group where clients can ground themselves, set intentions, and prepare for what’s to come. This helps clients approach the day with clarity, optimism, and a sense of purpose.
- Skill-building sessions: Clients engage in evidence-based therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which teach skills for managing intense emotions, coping with stress, and improving interpersonal relationships.
- Process groups: Mid-morning sessions often include process groups where clients can share their experiences, express how they’re feeling, and gain insights in a judgment-free environment.
- Lunch: A dedicated lunch hour gives clients time to enjoy a meal and interact with peers in a relaxed setting.
- Psychoeducation and experiential activities: The afternoon may feature psychoeducation and experiential activities, such as art or yoga, to promote learning, creativity, and mindfulness.
The partial hospitalization program at Turning Point Centers meets five days a week for six hours each day over the course of four weeks, for a total of about 20 sessions.
Therapies & Services Offered in Our PHP
In our PHP, clients can take part in weekly individual therapy sessions that are conducted by master’s-level therapists and daily group therapy sessions that are facilitated by a therapist or program manager. To support each client’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, our team may incorporate the following evidence-based practices in the therapy sessions:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT uses cognitive restructuring, a technique that focuses on changing learned behaviors by identifying and altering the negative thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions that are associated with them. By understanding this connection, clients can recognize and avoid triggers, reduce impulsivity, and develop effective coping strategies.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT combines mindfulness exercises with CBT techniques to promote self-acceptance, present-moment awareness, emotion regulation, and adaptability.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): MI fosters self-reflection, encouraging clients to look inward and think about what truly matters to them. Therapists lead open-ended conversations that help clients explore their goals, overcome resistance to change, and navigate their path toward meaningful growth.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT helps clients embrace their thoughts and emotions while taking purposeful actions that align with their values. This therapy supports clients in addressing any fears that may hinder their progress.
Additionally, we offer experiential therapy opportunities, such as:
- Art therapy: Art therapy provides a creative outlet for emotional expression and self-discovery, helping clients process their feelings in a nonverbal and therapeutic way.
- Meditation and mindfulness: These practices teach clients how to focus their attention, calm their minds, and become more in tune with their bodies, enhancing emotional balance and reducing physical tension.
Depending on their individual needs, we may also recommend that family therapy be part of a client’s care plan.
Benefits of Our Partial Hospitalization Program
Participating in our PHP offers numerous benefits for clients who are suffering from mental health and co-occurring concerns. These include:
- Comprehensive services: Clients have access to therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other mental health and addiction services all in one place.
- Consistent schedule: A consistent daily schedule helps clients develop healthy routines and stay committed to their goals.
- Accessible care: For many, PHP is a more practical option than residential care, offering clients the support they need without requiring them to stay overnight or take extended time away from their work, home, or family life.
- Regular interactions with professionals: Clients spend a considerable amount of time with various professionals who have specialized training in mental health, substance use, or both. In therapy sessions, clients can receive their feedback, guidance, and reassurance as they make strides in their healing journey.
- Strong peer support: Group therapy and shared activities foster a sense of belonging and community among peers who have gone through similar struggles.
- Skill development: Through therapy and hands-on learning, clients can gain practical strategies for things such as managing stress, preventing relapse, and setting healthy boundaries. They can apply these skills to their everyday lives, empowering them to navigate challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Next Steps After PHP
At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, discharge and aftercare planning is a key part of every client’s journey and begins within the first week of their participation in our PHP. The primary therapist takes the lead in this process, working with each client and, if appropriate, family members and external providers to outline the next steps after their time in our partial hospitalization program comes to an end.
As part of our full continuum of care, we offer a variety of resources to help clients keep making progress after completing the program. Some clients may step down to an intensive outpatient program (IOP) where they can continue to receive therapeutic support.
For those who are ready to return home, we can help connect them with local resources and referrals, such as outpatient therapy or other follow-up services that are tailored to their needs and preferences.
Additionally, all former clients are invited to join our alumni program. This program offers a wealth of opportunities for ongoing connection and encouragement. Through peer-led support groups, quarterly events, and community involvement, alumni can maintain the momentum they built while in our PHP and remain a valued part of the Turning Point Centers family.
Whether continuing care on-site at our Utah facility or embracing a new chapter of independence, clients can feel well prepared, knowing they have a strong network of support behind them and a clear plan for the future ahead. We are dedicated to being a lifelong partner for those we serve.
Learn More About Our Partial Hospitalization Programs in Utah
If you are suffering from a mental health concern or struggling with both a mental health and substance use disorder, we encourage you to call us today. One of our admissions advisors will listen attentively, provide guidance, and answer any questions you may have.
In our partial hospitalization program in Utah, you’ll find a compassionate team who is committed to walking alongside you on every step of your healing journey, from admissions through discharge. Contact us today to learn more about our services and determine whether our mental health and dual diagnosis partial hospitalization programs can best meet your needs.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.






