Aurora Charter Oak Hospital in Covina, California, offers a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) that provides the best balance of care and independence. This program is designed to separately support both adolescents and adults. Our PHP is also a supportive option for people who need more help than traditional therapy but do not require overnight treatment. Patients spend their days with our treatment team and return home in the evenings, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones and daily routines.
A PHP program can be especially helpful for those moving from inpatient care, those who want extra support to avoid hospitalization, or anyone whose symptoms are making everyday life difficult. With consistent guidance in a safe and caring setting, our PHP helps patients find stability, build coping skills, and move forward with confidence.
PHP is typically recommended for individuals who are transitioning from inpatient care, those who need a higher level of support to prevent hospitalization, or people whose symptoms are interfering significantly with daily life. By providing consistent therapeutic engagement in a safe and supportive environment, PHP offers a strong foundation for recovery. The program focuses on stabilizing symptoms, building coping skills, and promoting long-term emotional well-being.
Our hospital is located on a 10-acre campus and provides a welcoming setting for healing, with separate treatment areas for adolescents and adults. This separation ensures that care is specifically tailored to the developmental and clinical needs of each age group while maintaining our extremely high standard of client safety and privacy.
Types of Partial Hospitalization Programs
Aurora Charter Oak’s Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program provides intensive mental health services to youth in a structured and therapeutic environment. Our high staff-to-teen ratio allows for close supervision and personalized attention, and our treatment plans address issues such as depression, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and the effects of trauma. Adolescents benefit from age-appropriate therapy groups, educational support, and skills training designed to help them navigate daily challenges.
For adults, our mental health PHP focuses on treating conditions such as mood disorders, psychosis, and severe anxiety. The program is structured to help participants manage symptoms, improve functioning, and develop strategies for maintaining stability outside of treatment. Our patients are encouraged to participate in both individual and group therapies, with opportunities to learn from peers while receiving professional guidance.
Aurora Charter Oak also offers a substance abuse PHP for individuals working toward recovery from alcohol addiction or polysubstance abuse. This program includes relapse prevention strategies, education on the nature of addiction, and coping skills for managing triggers. For patients with co-occurring disorders (such as depression combined with substance use), our hospital provides integrated treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
Treatment Approaches and Services Offered
The PHP at Aurora Charter Oak is rooted in evidence-based practices delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and case managers. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) form the core of our treatment model, helping patients identify negative thought patterns, develop emotional regulation skills, and improve interpersonal effectiveness.
Dual diagnosis treatment is also available for individuals facing both mental health and substance use issues, allowing our patients to address the underlying causes of their conditions in a coordinated manner. Medication management and mood stabilization are overseen by psychiatric providers who adjust treatment plans based on each patient’s progress and needs. Family therapy is also an essential component, giving loved ones tools to support recovery and strengthen relationships.
In addition to traditional therapies, the program offers trauma-focused treatment, psychoeducation, and experiential modalities such as yoga therapy and art therapy. These services provide creative and physical outlets for self-expression and stress reduction. The hospital is committed to providing an inclusive environment, with LGBTQ+ affirming care that respects each individual’s identity and unique experiences.
Program Benefits and Outcomes
One of the biggest advantages of Aurora Charter Oak’s Partial Hospitalization Program is that patients receive the support and structure they need without stepping away from daily life. The program runs Monday through Friday for about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on each person’s needs. At the end of the day, patients return home to be with family, friends, and their routines.
Through daily therapeutic contact, patients also find steady encouragement and guidance that helps strengthen coping skills and ease mental health symptoms. With this consistent support, many of our PHP participants notice real improvements in mood, behavior, and overall well-being.
Our program includes therapies such as CBT and DBT, which teach practical skills like challenging negative thought patterns, managing stress in healthy ways, and building stronger relationships. The daytime schedule also provides the structure needed to form positive routines, which are a key part of maintaining recovery after the program ends.
Over time, patients often develop greater resilience, stronger stress management tools, and a lower risk of relapse. When they leave our PHP, they carry with them practical strategies for daily life and a clear plan to continue their progress.
Admission Criteria and Assessment
Admission to the PHP begins with a free, confidential assessment, which is available around the clock. During this assessment, clinical staff evaluate an individual’s current mental health state, diagnoses, treatment history, and personal goals. The purpose is to determine whether PHP is the most appropriate level of care or if another option, such as inpatient treatment or intensive outpatient programming, would better meet the individual’s needs.
The PHP program is best suited for individuals who are medically stable but require a structured non-residential setting to manage their mental health or substance use challenges. Candidates should be able to participate actively in therapy and group activities and should have a safe and supportive home environment to return to each evening.
If PHP is recommended, our admissions team works with the patient and their family members to create an individualized treatment plan, arrange scheduling, and discuss insurance and payment details. This collaborative approach ensures that each person enters the program with a clear understanding of the process and expectations.
Insurance Coverage and Accessibility
Charter Oak accepts a wide range of insurance plans, making the PHP accessible to many patients in Southern California. Coverage includes major commercial health insurers such as Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net, Kaiser, Magellan, MHN, Optum and UnitedHealthcare, Humana, TRICARE, TriWest, Medicare, and Medi-Cal. While coverage specifics vary, the admissions team verifies benefits and clarifies insurance details before treatment begins to avoid unexpected costs.
Financial assistance programs are available for those who qualify, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses. The hospital emphasizes transparency in coverage discussions, ensuring patients understand the available options and any financial responsibilities. This focus on accessibility allows more individuals to receive the care they need without unnecessary financial stress.
The admissions team serves as a point of contact throughout the process, answering questions about coverage options, payment plans, and the program’s schedule. Their goal is to make the transition into PHP as smooth as possible for both patients and families.
You can call our Assessment Center at 800-654-2673. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Aftercare and Ongoing Support
Completing PHP is only one step in the recovery journey, and Charter Oak places a strong emphasis on aftercare planning. Before discharge, each patient works with their treatment team to develop a plan that outlines the next steps for continued growth and stability. This may include transitioning to outpatient therapy, enrolling in specialized PTSD, anxiety, or depression treatment, and participating in trauma recovery programs.
For individuals in need of additional support, the hospital can provide referrals for domestic violence counseling, grief therapy, or community-based services. Patients are also welcome to connect with local support groups, which can be a valuable source of encouragement and accountability during the transition out of structured treatment.
The goal of aftercare is to ensure continuity of care and reduce the likelihood of relapse or hospitalization. By leaving the program with clear goals, resources, and follow-up appointments in place, patients are better equipped to maintain the progress they have made during their time in Aurora Charter Oak’s PHP
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program is a structured, intensive treatment option for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require overnight hospitalization. Participants attend therapy, skills groups, and psychiatric services during the day and return home in the evenings. PHP is ideal for people transitioning from inpatient care or those whose symptoms are significant but manageable in a non-residential setting.
Who is eligible for the PHP at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital?
Eligibility is determined through a free, confidential assessment with our admissions team. Candidates typically have a mental health condition, a substance use disorder, or both, and are medically stable enough to participate in day treatment. PHP is suitable for individuals who can engage in structured group and individual therapy and have a safe home environment to return to each day.
Does the program treat both mental health and substance use disorders?
Yes. Charter Oak offers separate tracks for mental health concerns, substance abuse recovery, and co-occurring disorders. This allows us to address each patient’s needs comprehensively, whether they are dealing with depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol addiction, polysubstance abuse, or a combination of these challenges.
What types of therapies are offered in PHP?
Our program uses evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and dual diagnosis care. Additional services include medication management, psychoeducation, yoga therapy, art therapy, and family therapy sessions. The hospital also provides LGBTQ+ affirming care to ensure an inclusive environment.
How long does the PHP last?
Patients attend PHP on Monday-Friday for about 2-4 weeks, depending on their needs. Each patient’s treatment plans are adjusted as they move toward their recovery goals. The admissions and treatment teams work closely with each individual to determine the most appropriate duration.
Is PHP covered by insurance?
Aurora Charter Oak Hospital accepts many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net, Kaiser, Magellan, MHN, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Humana, TRICARE, TriWest, Medicare, and Medi-Cal. Coverage varies by plan, so the admissions team verifies benefits in advance and explains any out-of-pocket costs. Financial assistance programs are available for qualifying patients.
What is the difference between PHP and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
PHP offers more hours of therapy and a higher level of structure than IOP. While PHP participants attend treatment most of the day, several days per week, IOP generally involves fewer hours and sessions. PHP is often used as a step-down from inpatient care, while IOP may be a step-down from PHP or an entry point for those who do not require the intensity of a partial hospitalization schedule.
Can family members be involved in treatment?
Yes. Family involvement is encouraged and often plays a key role in recovery. The PHP offers family therapy sessions to help loved ones understand the patient’s challenges, improve communication, and learn ways to provide effective support at home.
What happens after completing PHP?
Before discharge, each patient works with their treatment team to develop an aftercare plan. This may include ongoing outpatient therapy, support groups, and referrals for specialized services such as PTSD therapy, anxiety treatment, depression management, domestic violence counseling, or grief therapy. Aftercare planning is designed to maintain progress and reduce the risk of relapse or hospitalization.
