A REEXAMINATION OF THE REPORTED DECLINE IN PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION

This study examines recent trends in the organization of partial-hospi talization services in the United States. Contrary to two recent repor ts describing declining support for partial hospitalization, data from the National Institute of Mental Health's Inventory of Mental Health Organizations reveal that the number of ''partial-care'' providers inc reased by, 20% between 1984 and 1988, with increases occurring among p rivately and publicly funded programs. However, there has been a 56% d ecline in the average length of stay, with both privately and publicly funded programs showing proportional shifts to more acute care. An in crease in the number of long-stay ''day care '' programs maybe attribu table to educational and rehabilitation programs that report as partia l-care providers. Future study is proposed to create a better typology of partial-hospitalization programs.