How is the 6-day PHP different from the standard PHP at MVBH?

The 6-Day Treatment Program PHP adds one additional day of treatment per week compared to our standard five-day PHP track. This extra day provides greater continuity, fewer gaps between sessions, and enhanced clinical support during the most critical phases of stabilization and recovery. The six-day schedule is often recommended for adults stepping down from inpatient care or those who need maximum outpatient intensity.

Can I work or attend school while in the 6-day PHP?

The 6-day PHP is a full-time commitment, with treatment six days per week for approximately six hours daily. Most participants take a leave from work or school during this intensive phase. The goal is to provide maximum support during acute symptoms or early recovery, with the plan to transition to less intensive care like IOP or outpatient therapy as you stabilize and build skills.

Do I stay overnight at MVBH during the 6-day PHP?

No. The 6-Day Treatment Program PHP is outpatient care. You attend treatment during the day and return home each evening. We do not provide overnight supervision, medical detoxification, or inpatient psychiatric care. If you need a higher level of care, our team will provide referrals and coordinate your transition to MVBH when outpatient treatment is appropriate.

What happens after I complete the 6-day PHP?

As you stabilize and meet your treatment goals, your clinical team will work with you to transition to a less intensive level of care. Many participants step down to our five-day PHP, Half Day Treatment (IOP), or weekly Outpatient therapy. Your step-down plan is individualized and designed to support long-term recovery and prevent relapse.

Does the 6-day PHP treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders?

Yes. Our 6-Day Treatment Program PHP provides integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment for adults managing both mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Our clinicians are trained to address both diagnoses simultaneously, using evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused care.

Is the 6-day PHP available virtually?

The 6-day PHP is offered in person at our Amesbury, Massachusetts, location. For adults who need flexible, remote treatment, we offer a Virtual IOP program that serves participants statewide. Contact our admissions team at 978-233-9597 to discuss which program is the best fit for your needs.

Who should I contact if I am in crisis or need emergency help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, psychosis, or another acute psychiatric crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. The 6-day PHP is intensive outpatient care and does not provide emergency psychiatric services or immediate crisis intervention.

6-Day Treatment Program PHP in Amesbury, MA

The 6-Day Treatment Program PHP at Merrimack Valley Behavioral Health in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is an intensive outpatient program designed for adults who need comprehensive, structured support six days per week. Participants attend treatment six days weekly for approximately six hours per day, engaging in individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, and evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused care. This schedule provides maximum structure and support while allowing participants to return home each evening. The 6-day track is ideal for adults stepping down from higher levels of care or those who need more intensive support than the standard five-day PHP track. MVBH serves adults throughout Massachusetts at our historic Mill 77 location in Amesbury.

6-Day Treatment Program PHP in Amesbury, MA

The 6-Day Treatment Program PHP at Merrimack Valley Behavioral Health offers the most intensive outpatient schedule available at our facility. Adults attend treatment six days per week for approximately six hours daily, participating in a comprehensive blend of individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

This program is designed for individuals who need maximum structure and clinical support while maintaining the ability to return home each evening. The six-day schedule provides continuity, momentum, and intensive skill-building during critical phases of recovery from mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or co-occurring diagnoses.

Located at the historic Mill 77 building in Amesbury, Massachusetts, our Full Day Treatment program serves adults across the state who are ready to commit to a structured, evidence-based outpatient treatment experience.

6 days

Per week

~6 hours

Daily treatment

18+

Adults only

Statewide

Massachusetts coverage

Participant engaging in intensive daily therapy session at MVBH's 6-day PHP program in Amesbury MA

What Makes the 6-Day Track Different

The 6-Day Treatment Program PHP adds an extra day of therapeutic support compared to our standard five-day PHP track. This additional day per week creates greater momentum, fewer gaps between sessions, and enhanced continuity during the most critical phases of treatment.

The six-day schedule is often recommended for adults stepping down from inpatient or higher levels of care, those with acute symptoms requiring intensive stabilization, or individuals who benefit from maximum structure and clinical contact during early recovery.

Six Days WeeklyOne additional day of treatment compared to standard PHP, providing maximum outpatient intensity
Increased MomentumFewer gaps between sessions support continuity, skill reinforcement, and faster stabilization
Enhanced SupportMore frequent clinical contact and peer interaction during the most challenging phases of recovery

Who the 6-Day PHP Helps

This intensive track is designed for adults who need maximum outpatient structure and support.

Stepping Down from Higher Care

Adults transitioning from inpatient psychiatric care or other intensive settings who need continued structure and clinical support

Acute Mental Health Symptoms

Individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other conditions requiring intensive daily intervention

Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders

Adults in early recovery from substance use who also manage mental health conditions, supported through integrated <a href="/programs/dual-diagnosis/">Dual Diagnosis Treatment</a>

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Need for Maximum Structure

Participants who benefit from daily therapeutic contact, consistent routines, and intensive skill-building during stabilization phases

What Treatment Includes

The 6-Day PHP integrates evidence-based therapies, clinical assessments, and skill-building into a comprehensive daily program.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one sessions with the clinical team using CBT, DBT, trauma-focused therapy, and other evidence-based approaches tailored to your goals

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Group Therapy

Process groups, skills-building groups, and psychoeducation sessions facilitated by experienced therapists

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Medication Management

Psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication support when clinically appropriate, coordinated with your treatment team

Family & Support Involvement

Family therapy sessions and collateral support to strengthen relationships and build sustainable recovery environments

Psychoeducation

Workshops on symptom management, relapse prevention, coping skills, communication, and wellness planning

Treatment Planning

Collaborative, individualized planning with regular progress reviews and adjustments to meet evolving needs

Typical 6-Day PHP Schedule

1
Arrival & Morning Check-In
Participants arrive at our Amesbury facility and begin with a morning check-in or community meeting to set intentions and connect with peers and staff.
2
Morning Therapy Sessions
Structured group therapy, skills training, or psychoeducation workshops focused on topics such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, or trauma processing.
3
Individual or Family Therapy
Scheduled one-on-one sessions with your primary therapist, or family therapy sessions when appropriate to your treatment plan.
4
Lunch & Wellness Break
A supervised break for meals, self-care, and informal peer connection in our restorative Mill 77 setting.
5
Afternoon Groups & Processing
Continued therapeutic groups, experiential activities, and processing sessions that reinforce morning learning and build practical skills.
6
Closing & Reflection
Daily wrap-up, reflection on progress, planning for the evening, and preparation for the next day's work.

Skills and Goals Supported in 6-Day PHP

Treatment is designed to help adults build the skills, stability, and confidence needed for sustained wellness.

Symptom Stabilization

Reduce the intensity and frequency of acute mental health or substance use symptoms through intensive daily intervention

Coping & Emotion Regulation

Learn and practice evidence-based skills to manage distress, navigate triggers, and tolerate difficult emotions

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and strengthen relationships through skills training and family involvement

Relapse Prevention

Identify warning signs, develop safety plans, and build sustainable routines that support long-term recovery

Transition Readiness

Prepare for step-down to less intensive care, such as <a href="/programs/iop/">Half Day Treatment</a> or <a href="/programs/outpatient/">Outpatient</a> therapy, with confidence and skills in place

How to Start the 6-Day PHP

1
Contact MVBH
Call 978-233-9597 to speak with our admissions team about your needs, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
2
Clinical Assessment
Complete a confidential assessment with a a member of the clinical team to determine if the 6-day PHP is the right level of care for you.
3
Verify Coverage
Our team will work with you to verify your insurance benefits and discuss financial options. Coverage varies by plan - contact us to confirm your benefits.
4
Begin Treatment
Once admitted, you'll meet your treatment team, receive your personalized schedule, and begin your six-day-per-week program at our Amesbury location.

Your path to personalized mental wellness starts here.

Call now or verify your insurance - a confidential conversation, not a commitment.

978-233-9597

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Treatment terminology notice: At Merrimack Valley Behavioral Health, our day-based programs are referred to as Full Day Treatment and Half Day Treatment. In Massachusetts, insurance providers commonly refer to these levels of care as PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program). Any reference to PHP or IOP on this site refers to our Full Day Treatment or Half Day Treatment programs.
Detox scope: MVBH does not provide detox onsite. If detox may be needed before outpatient treatment, call our team. We can help identify an appropriate outside detox provider, but cannot guarantee placement, acceptance, transportation, medical clearance, or suitability.

6-Day Treatment Program PHP in Amesbury, MA

6-Day Treatment Program PHP in Amesbury, MA

What Makes the 6-Day Track Different

Who the 6-Day PHP Helps

Stepping Down from Higher Care

Acute Mental Health Symptoms

Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders

Need for Maximum Structure

What Treatment Includes

Individual Therapy

Group Therapy

Medication Management

Family & Support Involvement

Psychoeducation

Treatment Planning

Typical 6-Day PHP Schedule

Arrival & Morning Check-In

Morning Therapy Sessions

Individual or Family Therapy

Lunch & Wellness Break

Afternoon Groups & Processing

Closing & Reflection

Skills and Goals Supported in 6-Day PHP

Symptom Stabilization

Coping & Emotion Regulation

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Relapse Prevention

Transition Readiness

How to Start the 6-Day PHP

Contact MVBH

Clinical Assessment

Verify Coverage

Begin Treatment

Your path to personalized mental wellness starts here.