Quick Definitions on Types of Care

Hospital (ER & ICU)
Medical stabilization following suicide attempt, self-inflicted harm, etc.
Hospitals are mandated to transfer patients to an acute facility, if a suicide attempt was
reported or planned.

Acute Facility
24/7 Mental health stabilization, medication evaluation; however, limited treatment intervention that will promote long-term success.
Average stay is 3-7 days.

Partial Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)
24/7 Mental health stabilization, effective medication management (identifying the best medication regimen for the client, instead of the generic blanket meds the acute facility will likely prescribe). Intensive treatment intervention (individual, family, group therapy, recreation therapy, art therapy, horticulture therapy, etc.), and adequate discharge process (identifies next steps, how much therapy is required to determine long term success). Average stay is 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on insurance coverage and if the client is meeting medical necessity.
*Most clients stay 4-8 weeks.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Same as PRTF without residing at the facility. Monday-Friday all day (about 8 hours/day). Typically, 4-12 weeks.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Meet a few days a week for 3-5hours a day. Individual, family, and group therapy. Some programs may offer medication management.

**These facilities may not accept IOP patients if they have not been part of their PRTF or PHP.

Outpatient
Private Practice – A la carte treatment