Partial hospitalization, which is also referred to as a day treatment program, is the next step up from an intensive outpatient program. Partial hospitalization provides at least 20 hours of skilled treatment per week, but allows the person to return to their own home each night, rather than staying in the hospital. Medicare does cover partial hospitalization for mental health care, but not if the primary diagnosis is a substance use disorder.
Partial hospitalization programs can be effective for some people with substance use disorders, but Medicare does not provide coverage unless the person also has a primary mental health diagnosis other than the substance use disorder.