Programs vary, so it is hard to say what yours will be like compared to what others have experienced. In the hospital I used, the only real difference between IP and PHP is that PHP patients are only there during the day. They are allowed to leave the unit during the day if they desire. Pretty much everything else follows the same exact routine as IP. PHP patients generally showed up after breakfast and their day ended after the last afternoon group (about 3PM). Same groups, visits with Pdocs, etc. It's an option if being home alone all day creates problems for you. It's helpful if pdocs want to keep a closer eye on you and be able to monitor and adjust meds daily if needed.