This treatment option is often used as a transition between inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient treatment usually lasts from one to a few days before the patient is ready to be discharged to a less intensive treatment level. Child and adolescent patients also receive educational services. Referral to a lesser level of care within hours. In recent years, there have been important advances in the treatment of mental health problems.
New medications help patients improve faster with few or no side effects.
Psychotherapy takes a more practical approach to problem solving. More and more, people are being treated without hospitalization and returning to their jobs and families sooner than in the past.