Partial hospitalization

Virtual PHP: partial hospitalization by video

A virtual partial hospitalization program (PHP) is day-long structured treatment delivered by live video, usually about 20 or more hours a week. It sits between inpatient care and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Most people who search for a virtual PHP need one of the two, and the clinical screen decides which.

PHP and IOP side by side

	Virtual PHP	Virtual IOP
ASAM level	2.5	2.1
Typical hours	20 or more a week	9 to 19 a week
Work	Usually on leave or reduced hours	Usually keep working
Typical length	2 to 4 weeks, then step down	8 to 12 weeks
Insurance	Prior authorization almost always required	Authorization often required

Who needs PHP rather than IOP

Symptoms are getting in the way of most of the day, not only evenings
You are leaving an inpatient or residential stay and need daily structure first
An IOP has not been enough on its own

Anyone at risk of harming themselves or others, or needing medically managed withdrawal, needs inpatient or emergency care. Call or text 988, or call 911.

How Shift delivers PHP-intensity care

The core program is an evening IOP: Monday to Friday, 5:30 to 8:30 PM Pacific, 15 group hours a week
PHP-intensity care (ASAM 2.5) is added case by case, with payer authorization, by extending hours with individual sessions and additional groups
For substance use in California, this runs under California DHCS BHIN 24-001
Joint Commission accredited for telehealth (HCO 750994)
Out of network with commercial PPO plans; we check authorization and your cost first

Last reviewed October 28, 2026.

Common questions

Virtual PHP questions

Is there such a thing as a virtual PHP?

Yes. Many programs deliver partial hospitalization by live video, with the same daily hours as an in-person PHP. Payers usually require prior authorization and a clinical reason the person cannot be treated at a lower level.

How many hours a day is virtual PHP?

Usually about four to six hours a day, five days a week, or roughly 20 or more hours a week.

Can I work during PHP?

Most people cannot work full time during PHP. Many use FMLA or short-term disability for the PHP weeks, then return to work while they step down to IOP.

Does insurance cover virtual PHP?

Most commercial plans cover PHP for mental health and substance use, including by telehealth, subject to prior authorization. Shift is out of network, so we check your plan free and tell you the cost before you start. Medicaid and Medicare are not eligible for this program.

Does Shift offer virtual PHP?

Shift adds PHP-intensity hours case by case with payer authorization, on top of its evening IOP. The clinical screen decides whether you need PHP-level hours.

Find out which level of care fits, and what it costs.

A free benefit check and a short clinical screen. You get the level of care, the schedule and the cost before you agree to anything.

Check your benefits Or call (805) 815-6777

If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Shift Support Network is an outpatient program and is not an emergency service.