Choosing between a Partial Hospitalization Program and residential treatment is one of the most important decisions you will make at the start of recovery. At Destination Hope in Fort Lauderdale, our team provides both options so care can match clinical needs, schedule, and living situation. We have offered evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment since 2006, and we were among Florida’s first programs to deliver a structured PHP, which means clients benefit from deep experience and continuity across levels of care.
What Is PHP Like at Destination Hope?
PHP at Destination Hope is a full-day, therapist-led schedule that balances intensity with real-life practice. Clients attend treatment at our Fort Lauderdale center Monday through Saturday, with a minimum of 25 hours each week across group, individual, and family counseling. To remove logistical barriers, clients live in Destination Hope community housing located in Deerfield Beach while they are in PHP, and staff coordinate daily transport to the clinical campus. This structure allows people to build skills during the day and begin practicing independence in a supportive setting at night. You can read more details on our Partial Hospitalization Program page.
What Does Residential Treatment Look Like?
Residential treatment is an immersive, 24-hour level of care designed for clients who need the highest degree of structure and support. At Destination Hope, residential care includes drug and alcohol free living, round-the-clock supervision, extensive therapy with licensed clinicians, and planned recreational time that supports wellness and stability. The goal is to provide a safe, consistent environment where you can focus fully on recovery before stepping down to a less intensive level of care. Learn more on our Residential Treatment page.
PHP vs. Residential: The Practical Differences
Environment and schedule differ most. In PHP, you participate in a robust daytime schedule at the Fort Lauderdale treatment center and return to community housing in the evening. In residential treatment, you live on site with 24-hour support and follow a tightly structured day and evening routine. PHP offers a strong bridge for clients who are medically stable or stepping down from residential care, while residential is often the first stop when safety, stability, or acute symptoms are top concerns. If you are comparing options for a loved one, our admissions team can help you decide which start point best matches current needs.
Clinical Considerations That Guide the Choice
We recommend residential treatment when a client needs continuous monitoring, has significant withdrawal risk before or after detox, or is struggling with symptoms and triggers that undermine safety or engagement. Residential immersion removes day-to-day distractions and creates space for trauma work, skills practice, and health restoration. PHP is a fit when a client is stable enough for daytime care yet still needs an intensive schedule, frequent therapy contact, and structured support. Because Destination Hope operates both levels, our clinicians can adjust the plan quickly if needs change.
How Destination Hope Delivers Each Level in South Florida
Both PHP and residential take place on our Fort Lauderdale clinical campus, designed for group process, individual therapy, and skill building. Clients spend most of the day in treatment spaces with opportunities for movement and fresh air through wellness activities. For clients traveling from outside the area, community housing makes PHP accessible without sacrificing structure. This integrated approach helps maintain continuity as clients step down in intensity. Explore our setting on Our Facilities.
How We Help You Decide
Every admission begins with a clinical assessment that reviews medical needs, co-occurring mental health conditions, home environment, and recent substance use. Some clients begin in residential care after detox, then transition to PHP. Others are appropriate to start directly in PHP with community housing and transportation support. If cost is a concern, our team can verify your benefits and explain coverage before you commit, so you can move forward with clarity. Start a confidential insurance verification or speak with our admissions counselors about next steps.
When to Choose Each Level
Consider residential treatment if you need an immersive reset that prioritizes safety and stability, if home triggers are overwhelming, or if prior outpatient attempts have not worked. Consider PHP if you are medically stable, motivated to engage in an intensive daytime schedule, and ready to begin rebuilding independence with clinical support. Many clients will use both, beginning with residential and continuing in PHP as they prepare for intensive outpatient and community-based aftercare. Our team will guide you to the right starting point and adjust the plan as you progress.
Next Steps
If you are weighing PHP vs. residential in South Florida, we can help you match level of care to your needs today. Learn more about PHP, explore residential treatment, review our facilities, or begin with quick insurance verification. To talk through your options now, contact the admissions team for a confidential assessment.
