Day treatment programs are a comprehensive form of outpatient therapy used to treat various types of mental illnesses including depressive disorders, developmental disabilities (e.g., autism), cognitive disorders and substance dependence.

In day treatment programs, patients continue to live at home in the community but commute to a mental health facility, hospital or other specialized treatment center up to seven days a week for various types of counseling and educational and rehabilitation therapies. At these programs, patients receive treatment by a team of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors) and general health physicians.

Day treatment programs typically provide clinical diagnostic and treatment services with a level of intensity equal to that offered during inpatient psychiatric care, but not on an around-the-clock basis. Generally, these programs last at least four hours per day and occur on a daily or near daily basis.

The length and duration of day treatment programs depend on the type of program offered by the treatment center as well as recommendations by a patient’s primary care physician or mental health professional (e.g., psychiatrist).

There are day treatment programs that are geared specifically toward elderly patients, adults, adolescents or young children. Programs for adolescents and children typically include an academic program, to either take the place of or to work with the child's schooling.

The goal of day treatment programs is to rehabilitate patients with various chronic mental conditions so that they can function more independently in the community. To accomplish this, a variety of therapies are often used. These may include:

• Psychosocial rehabilitation. Emphasizes social and vocational training to help patients function more effectively in the community. Programs may include vocational counseling, job training, money management, learning to use public transportation and practicing social and workplace communication skills.
  
  
• Illness management skills. Patients learn about their illness and treatment techniques so they can make informed decisions about their care. Patients also learn how to identify signs of relapse and make a plan to respond to signs.
  
  
• Family education/therapy. Patients often live with family members who must be as informed as possible to provide support to patients. Family members learn ways to recognize stressful situations that may trigger a relapse or ensure patients adhere to medication schedules.
  
  
• Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavior therapy [CBT], group therapy). Various forms of therapy that encourage patients to talk about their condition as well as any related issues with a psychotherapist. In severe cases, psychotherapy may not be recommended until the patient’s symptoms have stabilized through the use of medications.
  
  
• Nutritional counseling. Regular consultation with a nutritionist (licensed nutrition specialist) or registered dietitian is usually offered at day treatment programs for patients with eating disorders. Nutrition experts may help patients gain a fundamental understanding of adequate nutrition including the importance of a healthy, well-balanced diet. They will also make sure patients follow any dietary restrictions that may be necessary due to their use of medications (e.g., antidepressants).
  
  
• Expressive therapies (e.g., art, dance and/or music therapy). Some patients may find happiness and relaxation from these therapies, which encourage imagination and self-expression.