Madison, Wisconsin’s Premier Partial Hospitalization Program for Adults

Opening Winter 2025

At Shorewood Behavioral Health in Madison, Wisconsin, we offer multiple levels of care to make sure that every patient has access to the care that meets them where they are on their healing journey. For this reason, we offer a partial hospitalization program that allows patients to receive comprehensive, daylong care. 

What Is Partial Hospitalization Programming?

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are outpatient options for people who need daily, structured treatment but do not need the full-time, round-the-clock care offered in inpatient and residential settings. 

Our partial hospitalization program meets five days a week for six hours a day. This allows patients to get the intensive care they need while still being able to go home in the evening instead of staying overnight at the hospital. This can be helpful for many reasons. It gives patients the opportunity to be home with their families, take part in activities, and take care of any responsibilities they may have. 

The average length of time a person spends in our PHP is two to four weeks. However, the actual amount of time patients spend in the program will vary based on their needs and the progress they make while in our care. Whether a person spends more or less time in the program will be discussed with their treatment team so that everyone is in agreement about what will be most beneficial for the patient. 

Who We Serve in Our Adult Partial Hospitalization Program

Our partial hospitalization program is available for adults age 18 and older. The program is designed to help people who are struggling with a variety of mental health concerns, such as: 

  • Adjustment disorder 
  • Anxiety disorder 
  • Bipolar disorder 
  • Depressive disorders 
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns 
  • Previous episodes of psychosis 
  • Self-harm 
  • Schizoaffective disorder 
  • Schizophrenia 
  • Substance use disorders 
  • Suicidal ideation 

Individuals who are struggling with aggression or similar behavioral concerns can also receive care in our adult PHP. 

Patients who have previously received care at Shorewood Behavioral Health or another behavioral health hospital are welcome to participate in our adult PHP. This program can serve as a step-up from a lower level of care, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or traditional outpatient therapy, or it can be a step-down from a residential or inpatient program. However, patients do not need to have participated in another program before starting in our PHP. 

To participate in our partial hospitalization program, patients must meet certain criteria, such as: 

  • They must be 18 years old or older. 
  • They must be suffering from a mental health concern. 
  • They must be willing and able to participate in all aspects of the program. 
  • They must be able to function successfully without needing monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

We determine whether our adult PHP is appropriate for a person based on the assessment they complete when they come to our hospital. Once they have gone through the assessment with one of our team members, we are able to determine whether they can benefit from our PHP or if another level of care may be more helpful in meeting their needs. 

If Shorewood Behavioral Health cannot provide the type or level of care a person needs, we will give them referrals to another provider.  

What Can You Expect in Our Adult PHP?

In our adult partial hospitalization program, our approach to behavioral healthcare involves the use of a variety of evidence-based therapies and modalities. Based on each patient’s unique needs, our experienced team may incorporate the following into their care: 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
  • Trauma-focused care 
  • 12-Step model of recovery 

Each patient in our Madison, Wisconsin, adult PHP gets an individualized care plan, which our team creates based on the results of the assessment the patient takes part in before they are admitted. This plan outlines what the patient can expect to happen while they are in the program. Examples of the types of services a patient may receive include: 

  • Medication management services: Patients who are taking medication can meet with a psychiatrist once a week for medication management services. Nurses are also available to help monitor the effects of the medications patients are taking. 
  • Group therapy: Group therapy is the main type of therapy used in our PHP. Group therapy sessions are led by a number of different staff members, including licensed therapists, nurses, counselors, and mental health technicians. Patients participate in several group therapy sessions each day, including process groups, psychoeducation groups, and activity groups. The types of topics discussed in these sessions will vary but may cover things like trauma, coping skills, self-esteem, and healthy boundaries.  
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Our team members can provide medication-assisted treatment for patients who have opioid use disorder and have been taking Suboxone® or Vivitrol as part of their recovery process. Patients who receive MAT are required to participate in both individual and group counseling sessions.  

Our team closely monitors the progress each patient makes while in our program so that we can put together an appropriate discharge plan for when their time in our PHP comes to an end. By doing this, we can make sure that our patients always have the ongoing support they need to remain successful on their healing journey. 

Why Choose Our Adult PHP

At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we strive to give every person the chance to achieve the best treatment outcomes possible. We recognize that to do that, we need to make sure that all our patients are getting the exact type of care that meets their unique needs. 

We also believe that patients deserve to work with the most highly qualified professionals in the field of behavioral healthcare. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping people who are struggling with mental health and addiction concerns. Our staff includes: 

  • Psychiatrists 
  • Nurse practitioners 
  • Registered nurses 
  • Licensed professional nurses 
  • Licensed clinical social workers 
  • Licensed professional counselors 
  • Mental health technicians 
  • Activity therapists 
  • Registered dietitians  

In addition to working with specially trained and compassionate team members, patients in our partial hospitalization program can expect to benefit from the following: 

  • Personalized, comprehensive care that is designed to meet their specific needs 
  • A warm and welcoming environment 
  • An inclusive environment where they feel respected and not judged 
  • Ongoing support and encouragement 

While in our adult PHP, patients have an opportunity not only to learn how to manage the symptoms they are struggling with, but also to learn valuable coping skills, identify strategies for how to deal with triggers, and develop stress management techniques that can help them in their day-to-day lives. They are also able to practice the skills they are learning in an environment where they are surrounded by supportive staff members and peers who may understand the challenges they are facing. Suffering from a mental health disorder or addiction can make a person feel isolated and alone, but by participating in our PHP, they can come to find that they are not alone and that they do have the ability to heal. 

Learn More About Our Adult PHP

If you have any questions about our adult partial hospitalization program and the services that are included in the program, we encourage you to contact us today. Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help you determine if our PHP is a good fit for you or a loved one.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Shorewood Behavioral Health.