Levels of Care in Mental Health, Explained (Outpatient, IOP, PHP, Inpatient)

This page describes how the mental health care system in the United States is generally structured. It is not medical advice.

Mental health care can take place at different "levels" depending on needs.

What Is a Level of Care?

In the mental health system, "level of care" refers to how services are categorized based on the frequency of treatment, the treatment setting, and the intensity of support provided. Levels of care are organized on a spectrum from least intensive to most intensive. The four most commonly encountered levels are outpatient, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and inpatient. Residential treatment and crisis stabilization units are also considered levels of care, but they may be less widely available.

Outpatient (Low Intensity)

Outpatient care is the least intensive level of care. It is delivered through scheduled appointments, such as therapy or psychiatry appointments. After each appointment, the patient returns home. Outpatient care can take place in-person or online through private practices, community mental health organizations, or other kinds of organizations.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP; Medium Intensity)

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, group-based program that provides a moderate level of intensity without an overnight stay. IOP programs typically meet several hours per day, a few days per week, over a period of multiple weeks. After programming ends, the patient returns home. IOP can take place in-person or online through private practices or larger health care organizations.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP; Medium-High Intensity)

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a highly structured, group-based program that provides intensive care without an overnight stay. PHP programs typically meet multiple hours per day, multiple days per week, over a period of multiple weeks. After programming ends, the patient returns home. PHP programs typically take place in-person.

Inpatient/Hospital (High Intensity)

Inpatient care refers to mental health treatment provided in a hospital setting, with overnight stay. In this setting, patients have continuous on-site support. Inpatient mental health treatment often happens at a mental health hospital or general hospital.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment is a level of care in which a person lives on-site at a structured treatment facility and receives support around the clock. Stays can range from several weeks to several months.

Crisis Stabilization Units

A Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is a short-term setting designed to provide support during a mental health crisis. CSUs are different from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.

Want to Learn More?

The Mental Health System Toolkit explains how levels of care, services, and providers connect - with graphics - in plain language.