Higher Levels of Care in Young Adult Mental Health

Purpose of Review: To review recent literature on the key components of partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming and their impact on adolescent and young adult patient populations’ mental health. Recent Findings: There is limited published data examining these levels of care in youth and young adults. Existing data supports use of partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming for youth and young adults at high risk of suicide. These programs have been associated with reduced psychiatric-related emergency department visits. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a key component across programming given benefits to suicidality. Youth-specific considerations including family therapy, coordination with schools, and unique therapy programming to target substance use or unique challenges faced by high-risk populations. Summary: Current data supports the use of partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming for youth and young adults at high risk of suicide. Additional research examining efficacy of various psychotherapy models as well as more diverse patient populations would help further guide treatment in high-risk patient populations.