Adult Partial Hospitalization Program
In-Person & Virtual Options Available
For Patients & Caregivers
In-Person & Virtual Options Available*
STRUCTURE, SUPPORT AND SKILLS FOR YOUR RECOVERY
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides a two-week structured, daytime, group therapy, clinical and psychiatric support for adults (18+) who need more support than weekly outpatient care but are safe to return home each evening. The program is voluntary and does not treat active symptoms of psychosis or substance use.
*This program is for participants located in the state of Massachusetts. Our virtual option is unable to take Medicare and Tricare Insurance plans at this time.
WHO WE CAN HELP
You may benefit from this program if you’re experiencing:
- Depression, anxiety, or mood instability
- Emotional overwhelm or difficulty managing daily responsibilities
- Challenges returning to work, school, or community life after hospitalization
- Symptoms that may worsen without additional support
- This program may not be appropriate for individuals with active psychosis, active substance use, or unstable medical conditions.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our program focuses on building practical, evidence-based skills to stabilize symptoms, strengthen coping, and support long-term recovery.
Treatment and therapies may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Exploring the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Developing emotional regulation and mindfulness skills
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Focusing on values-based actions and psychological flexibility
- Art therapy, yoga, and mindfulness groups
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Daily clinical check-ins and symptom management education
- Coordination with your outpatient providers/support network
- Aftercare and discharge planning
PROGRAM OPTIONS
In-Person Program Option
Located at Berkshire Medical Center. Our in-person program is best for individuals who benefit from a structured setting and face-to-face interaction.
- Group therapy sessions held onsite in a structured, therapeutic environment
- Access to a multidisciplinary clinical team throughout the day
- Daily therapeutic schedule from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Virtual Program Option*
A secure telehealth option for individuals who prefer or require treatment from home due to transportation, mobility, childcare, distance, or scheduling barriers.
- Live, interactive group therapy via a secure video platform
- Individual, supportive check-ins and access to psychiatric providers, as indicated
- Same therapeutic schedule as our in-person program (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
- Technology needs: a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera; a private space; and a reliable internet or data connection
- *Must be located in Massachusetts to participate in the Virtual option, not available for Medicare and Tricare.
Getting Started
HOW TO GET STARTED
Individuals and families are welcome to contact the program directly for more information. Please work with your provider to assist you in making a referral to our program.
Referrals are accepted from:
- Outpatient therapists and behavioral and mental health providers
- Primary care providers
- Inpatient psychiatric units
ADMISSION PROCESS
Many patients participate in our program following an inpatient psychiatric stay, or as a proactive measure to manage symptoms and avoid potential hospitalization. While an individual seeking treatment may call for more information, referrals must be made by a provider.
Providers can make a referral by completing and submitting a referral form with supporting clinical information for a referrals goals of treatment.
Referrals are accepted from:
- Outpatient therapists and behavioral and mental health providers
- Primary care providers
- Inpatient psychiatric units
CONTACT/REFERRAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Berkshire Medical Center Partial Hospitalization Program
Phone (413) 447 – 2747
Fax: (413) 447 – 2401
Email: PHPReferrals@bhs1.org
Cost & Insurance
COST/INSURANCE COVERAGE
Berkshire Medical Center’s Partial Hospitalization Program accepts Medicare*, Massachusetts Medicaid, in addition to many private insurance and managed care plans. However, it is recommended that the patient be directed to contact their insurance company to confirm coverage. Beginning November 2025, the Partial Hospitalization program will be offering the option to participate virtually. *The virtual option is not covered by Medicare and Tricare insurance.
For any questions around insurance coverage, please contact the Partial Hospitalization Program Support team. You can also visit this link for more information: Berkshire Health Systems Billing and Finance Department.
Daily Schedule
Example Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity | Focus |
| 9:00am | Morning Milieu Assessment | Setting daily goals and establishing focus |
| 10:00am | Group Psychotherapy and Processing | Exploring emotions and problem-solving. |
| 11:15am | Skills and Psychoeducation Group | Treatment planning and building coping skills |
| 12:00pm | Lunch, Treatment Team Meetings | Bring your own or visit the BMC cafeteria |
| 1:00pm | Skills and Psychoeducation Group | Introduction/Review of therapies, wellness practices, community resources and supports |
| 1:45pm | Afternoon Milieu Assessment | Reflection, takeaways, and next steps |
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Is this the right level of care for me?
The Partial Hospitalization Program is designed for adults who need more support than weekly outpatient therapy, but do not need to be hospitalized overnight.
02
Do I qualify? Will I be turned away?
Our goal is to find the right level of care for you, whether that is our Partial Hospitalization Program or another program.
You might be qualify for this program if:
- Are experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or related mental health concerns. This program treats people who struggle with varying mental health concerns and symptoms.
- Are safe from harming yourself or others.
- Are willing to attend the program daily and participate to the best of your ability.
- Are able to provide billing & insurance information.
03
How intense is this program?
Our program is considered intensive outpatient care, but it is also supportive, and collaborative.
- You attend treatment during the day and return home in the afternoon.
- There is structure, but also flexibility, and understanding.
- You are supported by clinicians and peers throughout the day.
- The focus is on learning skills, stabilizing symptoms, and building confidence.
04
How do I get started?
You can begin our program in one of two ways:
- Talk with your primary care provider or mental health professional about a referral.
- Call our program directly to learn more and ask questions: 413-447-2747.
05
What is the difference between the In-Person and Virtual program options?
In-Person: Held at Berkshire Medical Center, this option is ideal for individuals who benefit from a structured, face-to-face environment.
Virtual: A secure telehealth option for those who prefer or require treatment from home. Participants must reside in Massachusetts and is is not available for Medicare or Tricare insurance plans.
- Feeling more supported and less alone
- Learning practical skills they can use outside of treatment
- Knowledge of and connection to supports and resources
- Gaining clarity about next steps in their health and wellbeing
“Through a variety of classes and workshops. The program opened my eyes to ways to work towards my personal goals”.
“The Partial Program gave a variety of tools for me to use in everyday situations. I learned a lot about myself”.
“I was able to talk about my feelings and thoughts in a healing environment while feeling supported”.
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“Through a variety of classes and workshops. The program opened my eyes to ways to work towards my personal goals”.
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“The Partial Program gave a variety of tools for me to use in everyday situations. I learned a lot about myself”.
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“I was able to talk about my feelings and thoughts in a healing environment while feeling supported”.
Our Team
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CONTACT US TODAY
Berkshire Medical Center Partial Hospitalization Program
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Our Location
For Physicians
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) is an intensive, structured outpatient group therapy program for individuals 18+ who are challenged with depression and/or anxiety disorders, with or without co-occurring mental health conditions such as PTSD and personality disorders.
PHP provides diagnostic and clinical services for individuals in need of more intensive care than is offered through outpatient services. With an emphasis on skill-building and ongoing recovery, milieu-based treatment is provided by a multidisciplinary Behavioral Health team, 5 days/week, 5 hours day, for a total of 25 hours each week. Along with group therapy, PHP treatment includes psychiatric evaluation and ongoing monitoring throughout an episode of care, which typically lasts for 10 days. Patients are expected to attend daily.
Patients who might benefit from PHP care include patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders who require intensive treatment but are stable enough for PHP level of care.
Please be advised that this program does not treat active symptoms of psychosis or substance use.
BMC’s Partial Hospital Program is voluntary, and patients must agree to abstain from using substances during their enrollment.
PATIENT ADMISSION CRITERIA
While each referral is reviewed by the PHP clinical team, we ask that the following topics are addressed with the patient, prior to a PHP referral:
- Patient must have access to a working phone number to support effective communication and safety while participating in PHP.
- Patient is motivated to attend voluntarily and can function independently (i.e. ADLs).
- Patient is informed of and agreeable to PHP’s schedule of 5 hours a day, 5 days / week.
- Patient and/or referral source have identified an acute issue that will be the focus of treatment during their PHP admission.
- Patient is willing to involve family members / natural supports in treatment with a goal of improving outcomes and supporting safety.
- Patient is informed that PHP psychiatric care is contingent on regular attendance to, and completion of the program.
- Patient can participate in the development of their treatment plan and follow program expectations of a safe, learning – growth model.
While PHP makes every effort to meet the unique needs of each patient, there are circumstances which are beyond the scope of the program’s capability and possible benefit and in which the patient would not be accepted.
- Patient is assessed to be acutely psychotic, paranoid, delusional, manic or to exhibit any disruptive behavior that may compromise the safety and integrity of the group.
- Patient is assessed to be medically unstable (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes or seizure disorder)
- Patient has pending legal charges.
- Patient has had recent episodes of violent or threatening behavior.
While the treatment team makes every effort to triage referrals from acute services and offer start dates as soon as possible, a wait time for admission is possible. For this reason, it is vital that patients are provided with information and referrals regarding access to crisis and/or community-based support, such as CBHC or CSO.
CONTACT/REFERRAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Berkshire Medical Center Partial Hospitalization Program
Phone (413) 447-2747
Fax: (413) 447-2401
Email: PHPReferrals@bhs1.org
LINK TO REFERRAL FORM