The day hospital: structures and functions.

This paper discusses the types of function a day hospital may serve and the choice between generalization and specialization in the creation of day-hospital structures. We suggest that a day hospital may serve as (1) an alternative to hospitalization or to shorten hospital stay; (2) as a long-term resocialization experience; and (3) as an intense brief therapy environment. The patient selection, goals, location, and staffing patterns most appropriate to each of these functions are discussed.