Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs

Why choose UCSF Health partial hospitalization program?

The UCSF Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program offer a range of mental health services for moderate to serious behavioral and emotional conditions. These intensive, short-term programs are designed to be attended consecutively without absences. Our care is based on doctor-determined medical necessity, and we provide it in person only.

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a voluntary outpatient mental health service that can serve as an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization or as a bridge when a patient transitions from hospitalization. Designed for adults who need a high level of support, the PHP helps patients manage their symptoms in cases where their safety and ability to fulfill their commitments are concerns.

Care in the PHP includes group therapy, which is grounded in the practices of mindfulness and acceptance of difficult experiences. Therapeutic techniques include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Participants learn skills to promote mindfulness, interpersonal skills, emotion regulation and distress tolerance, with the goals of maintaining safety, improving day-to-day abilities to function and decreasing the severity of symptoms. Our treatment team assists patients who complete the program with transitioning to outpatient care, which may include working with previously established mental health providers or participating in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

The IOP serves patients with moderate psychiatric symptoms who are able to maintain their own safety and structure their time outside the program but need significant mental health support. During the six-week program, participants learn and integrate skills in a supportive environment while navigating the stressors of daily life. We also provide comprehensive evaluations, medication management, counseling and aftercare planning. Upon completion of the program, patients receive help in transitioning to previously or newly established outside mental health providers.

Please note that we are not a crisis or emergency service. If you are having suicidal thoughts or are concerned about someone who might be, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. You can also call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate help.

For more information about either the PHP or the IOP, please read our patient guide.