Transitioning to Adult Services: Young Adult Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs

Abstract

Considering the severity of mental illness that can present during young adulthood and the increasing rates of suicide in this population, it is important to offer young adult-specific intensive mental health treatment options that focus on the unique needs of this age group. While traditional outpatient therapy and medication management can be a suitable option for some, more intensive programming can provide faster stabilization for a young adult in need. Group therapy, individual therapy, and expedited access to a psychiatrist are some of the benefits of intensive outpatient and partial hospital programs. There is much to consider when developing intensive treatment programs tailored to young adults. This chapter will provide an overview of a hospital in New England that has established partial hospital and intensive outpatient programming for young adults, ages 18–26. Aspects of program development will be reviewed to include chosen theoretical framework and curriculum, staffing disciplines, family involvement, aftercare planning, unique needs of the population, and program philosophy.KeywordsYoung adultsPartial hospitalIntensive outpatient programCurriculumGroup therapyIndividual therapyMedication managementPsychosocialFormulationTherapistPsychiatristAftercare planning