Understanding levels of care
Programs use different names, and services vary. These descriptions are general starting points. Confirm details directly with each program.
Outpatient
Regular mental health appointments such as therapy, counseling, psychiatry, medication management, psychological evaluation, or safety planning. In standard outpatient care, youth usually leave the same day after the appointment.
IOP — Intensive Outpatient
More structured than standard weekly outpatient therapy. Youth generally live at home while attending treatment multiple days per week.
PHP — Partial Hospitalization / Day Program
Structured daytime treatment. Usually more intensive than IOP. Youth typically attend during the day and return home afterward.
Inpatient
Short-term 24-hour hospital-based care for acute safety concerns, stabilization, severe symptoms, or close monitoring. Many acute stays are around a week, but length of stay varies.
Residential
Live-in treatment setting where the youth temporarily lives at the program. Usually longer-term than inpatient hospitalization, often weeks to months or longer depending on clinical needs and program type.
Care Navigation
Help understanding options, finding possible programs, and preparing questions. Not diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care.
Questions to ask programs about level of care
- What level of care do you provide?
- Do you offer assessments or intake screenings?
- How often does the program meet?
- Does the youth return home each day?
- Is this hospital-based, outpatient, or live-in care?
- How long do families usually participate?
- What happens if symptoms worsen?
- How is family involved?
This information is general and may vary by program. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care. Confirm details directly with each program. If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911. For suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance-use crisis, or mental health crisis, call or text 988.