Substance Use Disorder Day Treatment Programs:
Find Comprehensive Care

Learn how to overcome substance use and mental health struggles with New Life Recovery’s substance use disorder day treatment programs.

Written and reviewed by the clinical team at New Life Recovery in Fresno, California, including licensed therapists, medical professionals, and recovery specialists committed to helping individuals build healthier futures.

What This Page Covers

Here’s a quick summary of this page:
  • Definition of Day Treatment for SUD: Substance use disorder (SUD) day treatment, or partial hospitalization, offers full-day clinical care with the flexibility to return home at night. It provides structure without requiring overnight stays.
  • Who It’s For: This treatment is ideal for people with moderate to severe SUD who are medically stable, motivated, and have a safe, supportive home environment.
  • Key Features of New Life Recovery’s Program: Services include therapy, case management, and holistic care like yoga, mindfulness, and nutritional support, all designed to promote emotional, physical, and mental healing.
  • Evidence-Based and Trauma-Informed Therapies: Treatment integrates therapies such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care to address both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Focus on Long-Term Recovery: Clients build coping skills, emotional regulation, and life structure while receiving help with step-down planning and continuing care.
Reach out to New Life Recovery for integrated healing today.

Table of Contents

Impacts of Substance Use Disorder in California

Substance use disorder (SUD) affects millions of people across the country, including right here in California. About 9% of Californians meet the criteria for a SUD each year, yet only a small portion receive the help they need. This gap leaves many individuals and families struggling without support.1

As awareness grows, more people seek treatment options that fit their lives, as many need care that is flexible but still provides structure and clinical support.

Substance use disorder day treatment programs offer that balance. Also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHP), this type of treatment allows individuals to attend treatment during the day and return home in the evenings.

Substance Use Disorder Day Treatment Programs

Find Health and Healing at New Life Recovery

At New Life Recovery, our approach is both clinical and holistic to ensure that you get the support you need in order to love your life again. We combine evidence-based treatment with wellness-focused care to support healing in every area of life.

Our substance use disorder day treatment programs help you stay grounded, connected, and supported as you move forward in recovery.

What Are Substance Use Disorder Day Treatment Programs?

Substance use disorder day treatment programs offer full-day care in a supportive clinical setting. These programs are designed for those who need more support than weekly therapy but do not require overnight supervision.

The goal is to help build healthy habits, emotional stability, and personal responsibility while staying connected to home, work, or school. This model allows steady progress in recovery with strong daily guidance.

Differences Between Types of Treatment Programs

Here’s how substance use disorder day treatment programs compare to other types of care:
  • Inpatient programs require staying at the treatment center full-time, which is most recommended when medical care or safety is a concern.
  • Outpatient care involves attending therapy sessions a few times per week. This works best for those who have already made progress and are ready for more independence.
  • Day treatment falls in the middle. It offers care for several hours a day, multiple days a week, while still allowing individuals to go home at night. It combines the structure of inpatient care with the flexibility of outpatient treatment.

Ideal Candidates for Daytime Treatment

A good fit for substance use disorder day treatment programs is those who are:
  • Medically stable with no need for constant monitoring.
  • Living in a safe and supportive environment with family, friends, or housing that encourages recovery.
  • Motivated to participate in treatment each day and open to learning new coping skills.
  • Dealing with moderate to severe SUD, especially if previous treatment has not been enough.
  • Able to manage daily responsibilities, such as transportation, meals, and basic self-care.
  • Willing to work closely with a treatment team to build a plan for long-term success.

Substance use disorder day treatment programs are not just for those starting recovery – they also help those returning from inpatient care or stepping up from less intensive services as well.

Key Features of Substance Use Disorder Day Treatment Programs

Substance use disorder day treatment programs help you stay focused on recovery while gradually rebuilding your life outside of treatment.
Below are the features that set our program apart:

Structured, Supportive Daily Programming

Our day treatment program follows a steady daily schedule that promotes structure, accountability, and healing. From the start of each day, you are actively involved in recovery-focused services designed to support short- and long-term progress.
A typical day may include:
  • One-on-one therapy
  • Group counseling
  • Psychoeducational sessions
  • Life skills training
  • Mind-body wellness practices
This format gives your days direction and meaning. You return home each evening with practical tools to manage stress, reduce cravings, and strengthen your recovery.
The routine helps build momentum, especially during the early stages when motivation and stability matter most.

Comprehensive Support

Substance use disorder day treatment programs at New Life Recovery combine multiple support layers to meet your full needs.
Throughout the week, you’ll work with medical professionals who monitor your physical health, licensed therapists who guide emotional healing, and recovery specialists who help you plan ahead.
This approach ensures your care plan addresses:
  • Medical needs related to withdrawal or co-occurring conditions.
  • Mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
  • Emotional challenges connected to relationships, self-worth, or life transitions.
By receiving this support in one program, you can focus on recovery without navigating separate systems.

Case Management and Discharge Planning

Support for substance use disorder day treatment programs includes more than just therapy.
Case management helps guide your entire recovery process. Your case manager will help you coordinate your care, track your progress, and ensure your treatment plan fits your needs. They can also help with practical issues like legal matters, work concerns, or access to housing or community resources.
As you move closer to completing the program, we also help you build a strong discharge plan, which may include the next steps, like ongoing therapy, outpatient support, or referrals to local resources. The goal is to ensure you leave treatment with a clear path forward.

The Role of Holistic Care in Day Treatment

Our substance use disorder day treatment programs integrate mental and physical health into your daily treatment plan rather than treating them as separate issues.
While clinical therapies help you develop insight and coping strategies, holistic therapies are carefully placed within your schedule to support focus, energy, and emotional regulation throughout the day.
This makes your treatment experience more well-rounded. For example, a therapy session might uncover deep emotional work, and a calming yoga practice afterward can help you process and reset.
By pairing these elements, we support your ability to stay present and engaged without becoming overwhelmed.

Holistic Options at New Life Recovery

Some of the holistic options we offer at our substance use disorder day treatment programs at New Life Recovery in Fresno, CA, include:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness teaches you how to stay present without judgment. You learn to notice cravings, emotions, and stress without reacting automatically.
Meditation sessions help quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, and create a stronger connection to your recovery process.

Nutritional Therapy

Substance use can affect how your body absorbs and uses nutrients.2

Nutritional therapy supports physical healing by helping you rebuild your strength through balanced meals and education about healthy eating. Our team enables you to understand how nutrition affects energy, mood, and recovery.

Yoga and Movement-Based Therapy

Yoga and other movement-based therapies help release tension, improve sleep, and build a better connection between your mind and body. These sessions are gentle, guided, and focused on breathing, flexibility, and emotional release.

Art and Music Therapy

Creative therapies allow you to express difficult thoughts and feelings in words. Art and music sessions can help you process emotions, relieve stress, and feel more connected to your inner self.

Benefits of Combining Clinical and Holistic Care

A holistic model of care helps you build a strong foundation for long-term change.
By combining traditional treatment with holistic support, you may begin to notice:
  • Improved ability to stay focused and calm throughout the day.
  • Greater comfort with daily routines and responsibilities.
  • Fewer emotional ups and downs that lead to a return to SUD.
  • Stronger self-awareness of how you react to stress.
  • A more confident, steady mindset about recovery.
Many people also discover a renewed sense of purpose or connection to themselves. These internal shifts can be as meaningful as the behavioral changes you make during therapy.
substance use disorder day treatment programs

Evidence-Based Therapies in a Day Treatment Setting

At New Life Recovery, we want every part of your treatment to work for you. That’s why we also use evidence-based therapies that have been studied, tested, and proven to help people recover.
Some of the most common therapies in our substance use disorder day treatment programs include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you notice how your thoughts shape your actions. Many people in treatment carry negative thinking patterns that can increase stress, shame, and the urge to continue substance use.

CBT teaches you how to catch those patterns, question them, and replace them with thoughts that support growth.
In a CBT session, you might work with your therapist to examine a stressful event and break down your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Together, you figure out what could have gone differently while also practicing using healthier real-life responses to build confidence and stay on track.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT focuses on emotional balance. Many people with substance use challenges also feel overwhelmed, angry, or disconnected. DBT teaches skills to manage intense emotions, stay calm under pressure, and build healthier relationships.

In treatment, you might start your day with a mindfulness exercise and then learn tools for staying grounded when emotions run high. You may also practice speaking up for yourself, setting boundaries, or responding without shutting down.
These skills help reduce a return to SUD and give you more control over how you respond to life’s challenges.

Trauma-Informed Care

About 75% of people who struggle with substance use also carry the weight of past trauma.3
This might include childhood abuse, neglect, loss, or other painful experiences. Trauma-informed care means we understand how those experiences shape your emotions, behaviors, and choices. It also means we make treatment feel as safe and supportive as possible.

Trauma-Informed Care Approach

In daytime treatment, this approach appears in individual and group sessions. You will work with a therapist who helps you understand the connection between past events and current patterns.
You are never forced to talk about anything before you are ready. Instead, we help you focus on learning ways to manage triggers, reduce stress, and rebuild trust.
Your space, schedule, and support system are all designed to help you feel stable and in control.

Dual Diagnosis Care at Substance Use Disorder Day Treatment Programs

Substance use and mental health often affect each other. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders can make it harder to stay on track in recovery.
At New Life Recovery, we treat both disorders at the same time – our substance use disorder day treatment programs are also built to support clients who need care for a mental health condition.

How We Treat Dual Diagnosis

Your treatment begins with a full clinical assessment. If symptoms like panic, mood shifts, or unresolved trauma are present, your care plan includes focused support for those needs.
Our therapists will use strategies that help you manage emotional distress while staying committed to your recovery goals. These sessions are also not split between SUD and mental health; they are designed to address both.

How Day Treatment Supports Long-Term Recovery

Substance use disorder day treatment programs are a balanced approach that supports long-term recovery and personal growth in the following ways:

Skill-Building and Coping Mechanisms

Lasting recovery depends on learning how to handle challenges in healthy ways. In day treatment, you gain tools that help you deal with cravings, stress, and emotional triggers. These include practical and emotional skills you can use in everyday life.
You’ll learn how to:
  • Identify early warning signs of a return to SUD.
  • Set boundaries and say no to unhealthy influences.
  • Regulate your emotions without relying on substances.
  • Build routines that support physical and mental wellness.
  • Communicate clearly and ask for support when needed.
Therapists walk you through real-life situations and help you prepare for them, and group sessions allow you to hear how others manage similar issues, which helps you feel less alone and more equipped for life after treatment.

Continuity of Care and Step-Down Planning

Follow-up care is one of the most important parts of recovery. Research shows that individuals who begin follow-up care within 14 days of completing day treatment are far less likely to return to SUD.4
As you progress, our team helps you prepare for life after day treatment by building a step-down plan that keeps you supported.
Your personalized step-down plan may also include:
  • Regular outpatient therapy and group sessions.
  • Continued medication management and psychiatric support.
  • Recovery coaching and peer support.
  • Referrals for job placement and education.

Continuum of Care at New Life Recovery

New Life Recovery offers a full continuum of care. This means when you complete one level of treatment, you can continue into the next phase of treatment without starting over at a different recovery center.
One of the biggest benefits of staying within New Life Recovery is consistency. You’ll continue working with the same care team that already knows your history, goals, and challenges. This allows for smoother transitions, fewer gaps in care, and stronger trust as you move forward.

Peer Support and Accountability

In our substance use disorder day treatment programs in Fresno, CA, group sessions offer more than education – they create a space where people support each other, share real experiences, and hold each other accountable.
You see that you’re not alone and learn from people facing similar challenges. Throughout the program, you’ll also practice giving and receiving feedback in a healthy way. This will build confidence and teach you how to build strong relationships in your everyday life.

No Care Plan is Set in Stone

Individualized planning continues throughout your time in the program. As you gain new skills or face new challenges, we adjust your schedule, therapy goals, or support services to keep you moving forward. This flexible and personal approach helps ensure that treatment remains effective.
substance use disorder day treatment programs

Substance Use Disorder Day Treatment Programs in Fresno, CA

Whether exploring treatment for the first time or returning for additional support, we are here to help you confidently move forward.

How to Begin the Admissions Process

If you or someone you care about is interested in our substance use disorder day treatment programs, the first step is reaching out.
You can contact us by phone or by filling out a secure form on our website. An admissions team member will talk with you to understand your needs, answer questions, and explain what to expect.
Our admissions team can also help you arrange your start date and answer any logistical questions you may have about your schedule or transportation.

Insurance and Financial Guidance

Paying for treatment should not be a barrier to getting help. New Life Recovery accepts most major insurance plans.
When you call, our team will collect your insurance information and verify your benefits. We will also explain what services are covered and go over any out-of-pocket costs.
If you do not have insurance, we can discuss flexible options. These may include payment plans or referrals to outside resources that may help with cost.

Create a Life You Love

Asking for help is not easy, but it is one of the most powerful choices you can make. Substance use disorder day treatment programs can offer a clear path forward if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about the future.

You will not be alone – you will have structure, support, and a team that cares about your progress.

New Life Recovery’s substance use disorder day treatment programs in California are designed to help you rebuild your life with strength and stability.

The next step is simple: Call us, ask a question, and set up an assessment. Every step forward matters, and healing can begin with just one.


Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Use Disorder Day Treatment Programs

Some questions we are frequently asked about our day programs include:
What is the difference between day treatment and inpatient rehab for substance use disorder?

Day treatment provides intensive therapy during the day while allowing patients to return home in the evenings, whereas inpatient rehab requires living full-time at the facility for a period.

The program includes evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), individual and group counseling, and trauma-informed care, all designed to address SUD and underlying mental health issues.
Yes, New Life Recovery accepts many major insurance plans common in the area, and our admissions team can assist with verifying coverage and exploring payment options.
There are numerous local 12-step groups, sober living homes, and outpatient counseling services available in the community to provide ongoing support after day treatment.
New Life Recovery offers family education and counseling sessions in our substance use disorder day treatment programs to help loved ones understand SUD and recovery, and local support groups are also recommended for family members.

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