FFFPartial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

No. 146; February 2026

Children and adolescents with serious emotional and behavioral difficulties may need more help than once-weekly counseling but may not need 24-hour care in a hospital. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) provide higher levels of mental health support while allowing youth to live at home and remain in their communities.

These programs are available in many states, though the names and specific services may vary by location.

Children and teens who participate in PHPs or IOPs may be struggling with:

  • Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
  • Severe mood or anxiety symptoms
  • Difficulty functioning at school or home
  • Problems with peers or family
  • Substance use or other risky behaviors
  • Aggression

These programs can serve children as young as 3 years old through young adulthood, depending on the setting. A PHP is the most intensive type of outpatient psychiatric treatment. Sometimes called a “day program,” a PHP typically involves:

  • At least 20 hours per week of structured treatment
  • Attendance five days per week, often overlapping with school hours
  • Two to eight weeks of care
  • Youth live at home and attend the program during the day

Most children and adolescents enter a PHP after a psychiatric hospitalization or when their symptoms are worsening and may lead to hospitalization if not addressed. To participate in a PHP, a youth cannot be immediately dangerous to themselves or others, but may have had recent unsafe behavior.

Some programs focus on specific conditions such as anxiety, substance use, or eating disorders. Other programs exclude certain diagnoses. An IOP provides a step down from PHP. It supports youth who need more than weekly treatment, but are stable enough to keep up with their daily tasks along with treatment.

Key features include:

  • 9 to 19 hours per week of treatment
  • 2 to 4 days per week, often after school or part-time during the day
  • Programs usually last 8 to 12 weeks
  • Greater flexibility for school and extracurriculars

IOPs are often used after completing a PHP or to help prevent hospitalization. Both types of programs should be family-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. Each program includes an interdisciplinary treatment team, often made up of:

  • Child and adolescent psychiatrists
  • Additional prescribing providers such as Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
  • Therapists and social workers
  • Nurses and direct care staff
  • Psychologists

Treatment typically includes:

  • A full mental health and medical evaluation
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Group, individual, and family therapy
  • Psychiatric medication management
  • Safety planning Contact with the child’s current outpatient providers
  • School support and communication (for PHP)
  • Recreational and social activities (in PHP)
  • Supervision and support throughout the day
  • Active involvement of parents and caregivers
  • Planning transition to outpatient treatment after completion of program

No program should use physical punishment, manipulation, or intimidation. Safety, respect, and dignity should be core values of care.

When considering a program, families can ask:

  • Is the program licensed and accredited?
  • What types of evidence-based therapies are offered?
  • What are the experiences of other patients and families?
  • Is the program close to home?
  • How does the program involve the family and community in care?
  • What is the program’s approach to safety?
  • How will progress and outcomes be measured?
  • How closely does the team communicate and work together?
  • Can I stay informed about my child’s treatment? How long is the wait time? Are transportation services offered?

Also, check what your insurance plan covers. Mental health coverage may differ between plans. Parity laws require mental health benefits to be comparable to other types of medical care.

A referral can come from:

  • A pediatrician
  • A psychiatrist or therapist
  • A school counselor or case manager
  • A hospital or emergency department

If your child is experiencing serious emotional or behavioral issues, but does not need inpatient hospitalization, a PHP or IOP may be an effective option. A trained mental health professional can help determine the best level of care. For more information, talk with your child’s doctor, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, or other mental health provider.

Related Facts For Families:

If you find Facts for Families© helpful and would like to make good mental health a reality, consider donating to the Campaign for America’s Kids. Your support will help us continue to produce and distribute Facts for Families, as well as other vital mental health information, free of charge.

You may also mail in your contribution. Please make checks payable to the AACAP and send to Campaign for America’s Kids, P.O. Box 96106, Washington, DC 20090.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) represents over 10,000 child and adolescent psychiatrists who are physicians with at least five years of additional training beyond medical school in general (adult) and child and adolescent psychiatry.

Facts for Families© information sheets are developed, owned and distributed by AACAP. Hard copies of Facts sheets may be reproduced for personal or educational use without written permission, but cannot be included in material presented for sale or profit. All Facts can be viewed and printed from the AACAP website (www.aacap.org). Facts sheets may not be reproduced, duplicated or posted on any other website without written consent from AACAP. Organizations are permitted to create links to AACAP's website and specific Facts sheets. For all questions please contact the AACAP Communications Manager, ext. 154.

If you need immediate assistance, please dial 911.

Copyright © 2026 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.