Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs can act as a bridge, helping a person transition to a community setting.

Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are therapeutic treatment experiences for individuals who require more than the conventional outpatient level of care but do not need the security of a locked unit or 24-hour care. 

These programs can act as a bridge to help a person transition from an inpatient setting to an outpatient community setting for treatment. They can also assist a person who is struggling to cope with their symptoms with outpatient therapy alone, but does not require inpatient hospitalization.  

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Ohio State Harding Hospital offers treatment at the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient levels of care designed to treat a variety of psychiatric illnesses using group psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, psychoeducation and individual psychotherapy. 


Our Treatment Approach

Our programs are designed to treat a variety of mental health issues and related problems, including:


• Depression
• Isolation from family and friends
• Irritability and anger
• Mood regulation issues
• Anxiety
• Thoughts of suicide or homicide
• Difficulty tolerating distress
• Sleep disturbance related to mental illness
• Interpersonal conflict 
• Difficulty functioning at home, work, or school
• Self-medicating with substances

We currently offer multiple treatment program options, allowing staff to develop and provide individualized treatment. We meet with each potential patient to assess what level of care would be most beneficial. Family and other supports are included in all stages of the treatment process as often as possible and as deemed appropriate.

Our Programs

Our Programs

All programs offer daily group therapy and group education to assist with managing symptoms more effectively. Patients will attend an initial assessment, and recommendations about which program will be most effective will be rendered at that time. Patients will see a psychiatrist initially to evaluate for medications and be provided regular medication management while in the program. We encourage patients to include their support system in the treatment process.

Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program

This program combines both the Partial Hospital (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) levels of care. Designed as an entry point from outpatient treatment to stabilize symptoms or as a transition from inpatient treatment, this program assists with avoiding hospitalization or reducing the length of inpatient treatment.

  • Days and hours: Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 3 p.m. (PHP) and 8:45 a.m. - noon (IOP)
  • Average length of stay: 18 total sessions (four to seven days in PHP, then 12 - 15 sessions in IOP) 
  • Services provided:
    • Group therapy and group education
    • Assessment and treatment planning
    • Psychiatry and medication management
    • Family education and discharge planning

Adult Evening Intensive Outpatient

Designed as an entry-level service focusing on symptom management and skills development, this treatment program is used when the patient is able to attend to daily structure and manage daily intensive treatment.

  • Days and hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Average length of stay: 15 sessions
  • Services provided:
    • Group therapy and group education
    • Assessment and treatment planning
    • Psychiatry and medication management
    • Family education and discharge planning

Victim of Crime Intensive Outpatient

This program assists adult individuals in central Ohio who have been the victims of crime. Designed to assist with healing from the trauma associated with surviving violence (physical, sexual, emotional, financial, psychological, etc.), this program uses Cognitive Processing Therapy to help individuals understand and more effectively manage symptoms that may arise as a result of the traumatic event(s). Services in this program are offered through a grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s office.

  • Days and hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Average length of stay: nine sessions
  • Services provided:
    • Group therapy and group education
    • Assessment and treatment planning
    • Psychiatry and medication management
    • Case management and victims’ advocacy support
    • Family education and discharge planning

Young Adult Intensive Outpatient

This program is for young adults, 18 - 24 years old who are having difficulty with mood symptoms and substance use. They may be struggling with the transition to taking on adult responsibilities or with establishing a healthy work/school/life balance.

  • Days and hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Average length of stay: 18 sessions
  • Services provided:
    • Group therapy and group education
    • Assessment and treatment planning
    • Psychiatry and medication management
    • Family education and discharge planning

Teen Intensive Outpatient Program Afternoon Session

Designed as an intensive daily treatment program to stabilize symptoms and provide closer monitoring to avoid or shorten hospitalization, this program is for teens 13 - 17 years old (18 if still in high school) who are having difficulty attending to daily structure or attending school.

  • Days and hours: Monday through Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Average length of stay: 15 sessions
  • Services provided:
    • Group therapy and group education
    • Assessment and treatment planning
    • Psychiatry and medication management
    • Parent education and discharge planning

Teen Intensive Outpatient Evening Session

Designed as an entry-level service focusing on symptom management and skills development, this treatment program is for teens 13 - 17 years old (18 if still in high school) who are able to attend to daily structure and manage intensive treatment but need more assistance than conventional outpatient treatment can provide.

  • Days and hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Average length of stay: 12 sessions
  • Services provided:
    • Group therapy and group education
    • Assessment and treatment planning
    • Psychiatry and medication management
    • Parent education and discharge planning

Treatment Team

Treatment Team

Ohio State Harding Hospital’s Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs are staffed by caring professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality programming to assist in improving the lives of the people we serve. Our staff includes:

• Psychiatrists

• Nurse Practitioners

• Independently licensed social workers

• Independently licensed professional counselors

• Licensed chemical dependency counselors

Coordination of Care

During treatment, staff will work with established outpatient providers to improve treatment outcomes and transition between levels of care. Staff will assist in developing discharge plans that include follow-up treatment and aftercare.

Access to Treatment

Access to Treatment

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Harding Hospital contracts with most insurance plans. To determine what your insurance will cover, please contact your insurance provider. For more information or to make an appointment, call 614-293-9560. If you are already involved in treatment, it is recommended that you speak with your provider about making a referral.

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