Understanding the difference between PHP and IOP can make recovery feel more manageable day to day, especially when you are trying to picture what your weeks will actually look like.
At Soledad House, PHP and IOP are not presented as two tracks you pick between. IOP is designed for women who have completed PHP, so the typical progression is to start with more structure in PHP, then transition into IOP as stability and independence grow.
Soledad House is a women-only recovery program in San Diego that offers Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and sober living as part of a longer continuum of care.
Below is a comparison of PHP and IOP, including what each looks like, how they differ, and what the transition usually supports.
PHP and IOP Overview
What is PHP? A higher intensity daytime program with robust clinical support. At Soledad House, PHP runs 5 days a week for 6 hours daily, and it can be coupled with a structured sober living environment.
What is IOP? A structured therapy program that helps you keep building skills while reintegrating into daily life. At Soledad House, IOP runs 5 days a week for 3 hours daily, and it involves living in one of the structured living homes while attending treatment.
The Core Difference: Intensity and Clinical Access
Partial Hospitalization is the higher intensity program. Expect more therapy hours across the day and closer clinical access than you would have in Intensive Outpatient.
This added structure can be especially helpful early in recovery, or when stepping down from residential treatment and still needing a strong daily routine. Intensive Outpatient provides comprehensive support with fewer hours per day than PHP, which gives you more time to practice recovery skills in real life while staying connected to your treatment team.
How the PHP to IOP Transition Typically Works at Soledad House
PHP is designed for women who need a higher intensity day program and strong structure. The added hours and tighter routine can help stabilize sleep, meals, and therapy work while you practice skills consistently. PHP can also support women who need integrated help for co-occurring mental health needs through a dual diagnosis capable approach.
IOP is designed as the next phase after PHP. You still have consistent groups and support, but with fewer hours than PHP, which allows more room for rebuilding work, school, and family rhythms while continuing therapy and skill building.
At Soledad House, structured living remains part of the IOP model, supporting accountability and consistency as more independence is added.
How Both Programs Support Women’s Recovery at Soledad House
Both PHP and IOP keep the focus on women’s recovery in a supportive environment. Care includes evidence-based and holistic therapies, along with a strong emphasis on community and spirituality as part of recovery.
You can expect group and individual work that builds relapse prevention skills, strengthens routines, and connects you with peers who understand what you are working toward.
Many women spend 90 days or more across the continuum, transitioning from more structure to more independence as progress is made. That gradual progression helps changes hold up in real life, not just inside treatment hours.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | PHP | IOP |
| Treatment hours | 5 days a week, 6 hours daily | 5 days a week, 3 hours daily |
| Where you live | Can be coupled with a structured sober living environment | Involves living in structured living homes |
| Timing in a care journey | Often comes before IOP | Designed for women who have completed PHP |
| Access to services | Higher intensity clinical access and more daily structure | Continued support with fewer daily hours as independence increases |
How Structured Living Strengthens PHP and IOP
At Soledad House, sober living is part of the larger treatment experience. The goal is to create a predictable home rhythm that matches what you are practicing in therapy. Clear routines and peer accountability can reduce decision fatigue, helping sleep, therapy attendance, and self-care remain consistent.
PHP can be coupled with a structured sober living environment, which gives you a stable base while you engage in a higher-intensity day program. During IOP, structured living is built into the model while you attend treatment, which helps you maintain daily habits as you take on more independence.
This setup also strengthens relapse prevention. You learn skills in groups and individual sessions, then apply them in everyday life, including evenings and weekends. Over time, you carry forward what works into aftercare, such as regular check-ins, a consistent sleep schedule, and a straightforward plan for managing known stress points.
How Your Team Decides When to Step Down From PHP to IOP
Your current stability. PHP is typically the right fit when you need a higher level of daily structure and more time in therapy each week. IOP usually comes next when you are stable enough to hold more independence while staying closely connected to treatment.
Where you are in the process. At Soledad House, IOP is designed for women who have completed PHP. The transition happens when you are consistently using coping skills, showing steadier routines, and ready to practice recovery with more space between programming hours.
Housing support. PHP can be paired with structured sober living to keep routines steady outside program hours. During IOP, living in structured living homes remains part of the model, helping reinforce accountability and consistency while you continue building independence.
Realistic Outcomes and What Progress Looks Like
Across both PHP and IOP, you practice core skills that translate to real life: group therapy, individual work, relapse-prevention planning, community support with other women, and spiritual support that may include practices such as meditation and prayer.
Early progress often looks like steadier sleep, clearer mornings, and a more predictable routine for meals, therapy, and self-care. As you move from PHP into IOP, you apply the same skills with more independence, including handling work or school while staying connected to peers and staff.
Extended care, aftercare, and alumni support can sustain that connection so progress continues after programming ends.
FAQs About PHP and IOP
Is PHP inpatient?
No. Partial Hospitalization is a day program. You attend more therapy hours and have closer clinical access than in IOP, but you do not sleep in a hospital unit. PHP can be coupled with a structured sober living environment, so the home setting supports the routines you are building.
How long are IOP sessions at Soledad House?
IOP is 5 days a week for about 3 hours daily. At Soledad House, IOP involves living in structured living homes while attending treatment.
Can I combine treatment with work or school?
IOP is often the phase where greater flexibility becomes possible; it involves fewer hours per day than PHP, while still providing consistent therapy and support. Your team can help you map out what is realistic based on where you are in recovery.
What is the main difference between PHP and IOP?
PHP includes more therapy hours across the day and a higher level of structure. IOP is designed as the next phase after PHP, with fewer daily hours, while still keeping you connected to treatment and support.
Where do I live during PHP and IOP?
Soledad House integrates treatment with sober living. PHP can be coupled with a structured sober living environment. During IOP, living in structured living homes is part of the program model.
What therapies and support services can I expect?
Across PHP and IOP, you can expect group therapy, individual work, relapse prevention skills, and community support in a women-focused setting. Soledad House also emphasizes spirituality, education, and community as part of recovery.
How long do women typically stay in care?
Plans are individualized, but many women spend 90 days or more across the continuum.
Can programming shift if my needs change?
Yes. The progression is meant to respond to what you need. If more structure is needed, your team may recommend returning to PHP. If you are ready for more independence, the transition into IOP may be appropriate while staying connected to ongoing support.
Is Soledad House women-only, and is it located in San Diego?
Yes. Soledad House is a women-only recovery program in San Diego that offers PHP, IOP, sober living, extended care, aftercare, and alumni support.
What To Do Next
If you are unsure what starting in PHP looks like or when IOP typically comes next, reach out for a confidential conversation and insurance verification. A team member can explain the day-to-day structure, how sober living fits into the model, and how aftercare and alumni support can help you stay connected as you keep moving forward.