Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital provides structured mental health care that blends group therapy, individual support and medical oversight. It takes place during the day, and you return home at night. This approach makes it easier to focus on getting better so you feel more grounded in daily life.

Whether you’re joining us after an inpatient stay or this is where you’re starting your healing journey, PHP provides steady support. You’ll find services designed to help you make meaningful progress.

Highlights of our program include:

• Supportive staff: Skilled mental health professionals guide your care. They recognize the challenges you’re going through and use their experience to support you with knowledge and compassion.
• Convenience: We proudly partner with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. Our facility is on a separate campus just a short drive away. You’ll find on-site parking and an easy-to-reach location that helps you fit outpatient mental health services into your busy schedule.
• Ongoing care: After partial hospitalization, you may be eligible to continue treatment with us through our intensive outpatient program (IOP). It offers structured care with a shorter time commitment. Staying with a program you already know helps ease the transition back to daily life and keeps you connected with a familiar routine.

Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital offers confidential level-of-care assessments to help determine the right care for you or your loved ones. Call our admissions department at 717-740-4160 to schedule an assessment today. Walk-ins welcome.

We tailor the partial hospitalization experience around your goals and circumstances. You meet in small groups where staff are attentive and guide discussions that help you explore different coping methods. PHP runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Here’s what to expect:

• Group therapy: You spend most of the day in group sessions exploring your thoughts and feelings and learning how to move forward. Topics include stress management, conflict resolution, self-care and relationship skills.
• Individual therapy: Brief one-on-one meetings give you time to share what’s on your mind and talk through challenges. These sessions help you set goals and track your progress.
• Medication management: Drugs like antidepressants can help ease symptoms so you can focus more fully on treatment and daily life. A psychiatrist or nurse practitioner meets with you periodically to monitor progress and adjust treatment when needed.
• Expressive arts: Creative activities in the afternoon give you a different way to process emotions and share what you’re feeling. Activities like painting or drawing help ease stress and may open new paths for self-expression.
• Family involvement: Your loved ones are welcome to take part in intake and discharge conversations. Their insights can guide your care and help you receive the support you need at home between sessions.
• Discharge planning: We guide you in preparing for the next step of mental health treatment. You may be eligible to continue with us through our intensive outpatient program (IOP). We can also connect you with helpful community resources.

Call 717-740-4160 or message us to schedule a no-cost, confidential intake assessment with a mental health professional.