Providing crisis-oriented and recovery-based treatment in partial hospitalization programs

Partial hospitalization programs represent a midpoint along the treatment intensity continuum between an inpatient and an outpatient service. Partial hospitalization programs can be used in place of an inpatient unit for patients who need crisis stabilization and amelioration of their acute symptoms, but who are not imminently homicidal or suicidal. Partial hospitalization programs can also manage adjustments in pharmacotherapy, conduct skills classes, and engage patients in group psychotherapy. In this article, the authors describe the roles and functions of partial hospitalization programs in today's spectrum of psychiatric services and describe the process of transition from an acute inpatient unit to a partial hospitalization programs.