A reexamination of the reported decline in partial hospitalization

This study examines recent trends in the organization of partial-hospitalization services in the United States. Contrary to two recent reports describing declining support for partial hospitalization, data from the National Institute of Mental Health's Inventory of Mental Health Organizations reveal that the number of "partial-care" providers increased by 20% between 1984 and 1988, with increases occurring among privately and publicly funded programs. However, there has been a 56% decline in the average length of stay, with both privately and publicly funded programs showing proportional shifts to more acute care. An increase in the number of long-stay "day care" programs may be attributable to educational and rehabilitation programs that report as partial-care providers. Future study is proposed to create a better typology of partial-hospitalization programs.