Behavioral Assessment, Analysis, and Support in a Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

This article describes the objectives and operations of a behavioral psychology service within a partial hospitalization program for adults with psychiatric disorders and developmental disabilities. Partial hospitalization programs are an effective model of psychiatric service delivery but are not common for patients with mental retardation/mental illness. Phases of intake behavioral assessment, treatment planning and implementation, and discharge are described with an emphasis on functional assessment, data-based accountability, outcome measurement, and positively oriented behavioral support. The article concludes with a discussion of challenges which confront the design and application of behavior analysis procedures within the context of a psychiatric partial hospitalization program.