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Partial hospitalization patients go to sessions for 3-12 hours per day and 3-7 days per week.

Most partial hospitalization programs are less than six weeks. After the program is completed most experts suggest continued support and counseling through weekly meetings.

This type of program is used for people trying to overcome substance abuse, as well as for people experiencing acute mental health deterioration that affects normal functioning. Partial hospitalization treatment structures are also being used to treat other problems such as anorexia and bulimia, Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses that affect mental health. This type of program is also often recommended on a short-term basis for people transitioning from hospital treatment to the community.

Treatment is most often group therapy, and counseling. Programs are also usually divided into separate programs for different age groups such as youth, adolescent, and adult programs. This is done to better address issues that affect the different age groups. For example, in the youth and adolescent programs there is also often an academic program, which either replaces school completely, or supplements their schoolwork.

This type of treatment is often very effective for many people because it combines the best parts of inpatient treatment (intensive care and strict goals), and outpatient treatment (the ability to continue working, being with family, a flexible schedule, and lower cost). 

Studies show that partial hospitalization treatment followed by continuing support is very effective. Patients who complete the program successfully often develop the ability to shorten crisis periods, maintain motivation, control symptoms or urges, return to normal functioning in the community and are less likely to ever need hospitalization in the future.