Development and current status of partial hospitalization in the Federal Republic of Germany and West Berlin.

Since the opening of the first partial-hospitalization program in 1962, the development of partial hospitalization in the Federal Republic of Germany and West Berlin has markedly accelerated, especially in recent years. As of July 1, 1982, there were at least 60 such programs with approximately 1200 places in the country. A review of the current status is given regarding the individual programs' perceived mission and their integration into the existing network of psychiatric services. Summary statistics are provided regarding patient census, duration of stay, staffing, therapeutic activities, and clientele. Problems such as the low number of direct community referrals, the preponderance of chronic patients, and the underutilization of programs are discussed.