During inpatient mental health treatment, you get intensive support and a high level of supervision. During a mental health crisis, you might be in a short-term emergency inpatient stay, such as a psychiatric hospitalization. Inpatient treatment is among the highest levels of care for mental health and substance abuse treatment services.
Full Answer
When is inpatient mental health treatment needed?
When is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Needed? You may have been suffering from a mental health disorder for years. In most cases, people receive treatment for these conditions by a psychiatrist or therapist. These mental health providers may have been able to manage the condition well, enough so you can function in life.
What does inpatient mental health treatment look like?
In reality, however, inpatient mental health treatment is not at all like the depictions on the big screen. On the contrary, a facility for treating people with serious depression or anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder are centered on creating a calm, therapeutic environment that is conducive to healing the mind, body, and soul.
What are my options for inpatient mental health care?
A variety of options exist for inpatient care, including hospital settings, psychiatric hospitals and regional medical centers. Residential mental health environments typically provide a comfortable, modern setting with the very best level of supportive services. Every location is a bit different.
What are the benefits of inpatient mental rehab?
You may worry about your job. However, inpatient mental rehab provides an opportunity to give you fast, effective treatment customized to your needs. There are other benefits of this care. As an inpatient, you can step away from your day-to-day responsibilities to focus on your mental health.
What happens when you first go to a mental hospital?
When You're Admitted. One of the first things that will happen is that a psychiatrist will evaluate you to determine an appropriate treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Your treatment plan will likely involve work with a variety of mental health professionals, including: Psychiatrist.
How long do they usually keep you in a mental hospital?
The average length of stay in a psychiatric hospital now, is about two to three weeks. Many people worry about - what's it going to be like with the other people in hospital. For many people, having a mental health problem can be quite isolating.
Why can't you have your phone in a mental hospital?
There are multiple reasons for this, ranging from privacy issues (patients might Instagram other patients), clinical issues (patients might isolate themselves and not go to groups), safety issues (they might break and use the screen glass for self harm), and liability issues (patients might sue the hospital if they ...
Can you use your phone in a mental hospital?
During your inpatient psychiatric stay, you can have visitors and make phone calls in a supervised area. All visitors go through a security check to make sure they don't bring prohibited items into the center. Most mental health centers limit visitor and phone call hours to allow more time for treatment.
What is a mental breakdown?
Instead, a mental health crisis or a breakdown of your mental health is a situation that happens when you have intense physical and emotional stress, have difficulty coping and aren't able to function effectively. It's the feeling of being physically, mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by the stress of life.
Why do people go to psych wards?
These facilities are dedicated solely to mental healthcare and often provide treatment for patients with serious conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others.
What should I bring to a mental hospital?
What to Bring:Insurance card if applicable.Three to four days of casual, comfortable clothing with no drawstrings. ... Slip-on or Velcro athletic shoes. ... Unframed photos of family.Medications: inhalers, birth control pills and antibiotics if needed. ... Adults only: Cash up to $20 is allowed.More items...
Why do mental hospitals draw blood?
Diving right in, possible reasons a psychiatrist may order a blood test include: To determine if treatments will be safe and screening for certain conditions that may necessitate prescribing certain medications over others (e.g., blood, heart, thyroid, and kidney conditions).
What is a 72 hour psychiatric hold?
What is an involuntary hold or 5150? 5150 is the number of the section of the Welfare and Institutions Code, which allows an adult who is experiencing a mental health crisis to be involuntarily detained for a 72- hour psychiatric hospitalization due to threat of harm to self, others, or being gravely disabled.
What happens after being sectioned?
What happens when you're sectioned? In most cases, you will be admitted to hospital very soon after your assessment (for most sections, it legally needs to be within 14 days). This will normally be by ambulance. Once there, you will have your rights explained to you and will be given a copy to keep.
Do psych wards allow piercings?
Leisure materials such as books or word games are recommended but should not have spiral wires or metal rings. All jewelry should be removed (including body piercings) as these will be removed on admission and returned at discharge.
What is residential mental health?
In reality, residential mental health treatment is nothing like an old-school sanitarium; instead, it provides effective, customized opportunities for wellness. In modern facilities, there is no flickering lighting, angry nurses, padded rooms, or twisted treatments. Patients can experience compassionate care designed to make a difference.
What are the different types of mental health care?
The Types of Mental Inpatient Care. It is important to note that inpatient care comes in two distinctly different forms: voluntary and involuntary.
What is voluntary care?
Unlike involuntary care, voluntary care is entered into willingly. When an individual determines that their mental health is interfering with work, school or relationships in an unsustainable way, entering into a program may be the best option. These treatment centers help patients address mental health concerns without the stressors of daily life in a safe, secure and supportive environment.
What is the importance of structure in mental health?
Structure is very important in treatment programs of all kinds and tends to be featured heavily in inpatient mental health care. To facilitate results, residents are held to a strict schedule during the day in a mental hospital. The day usually starts with time to shower, get dressed and get ready for breakfast.
What to do after breakfast at a nursing home?
After breakfast, residents may engage in quiet time to read, journal or participate in a group therapy session. TV time or an exercise break may occur before lunch. After lunch, residents may engage in another group session, individual counseling, exercise or recess, a meeting with a doctor or more quiet time.
What does a trained psychologist do?
In this assessment, trained psychologists or psychiatrists work to gain a deeper understanding of the condition or conditions at hand, past life experiences that may influence a diagnosis, prior attempts at treatments, medical history, medications in use and anything else that may affect a course of patient care.
What is the program after dinner?
After dinner, most programs allow for recreational time, like watching TV or movies, before bed. Lights out is also scheduled to make sure residents get adequate sleep. Day-to-day, programming and scheduling change slightly, but the structure will be roughly the same.
What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient mental health?
When your mental health has not improved with outpatient care, there may be a need for a higher level of care. An inpatient mental health program can provide 24-hour care and support.
What is the purpose of a mental hospital?
A hospital has a stricter, more sterile feel, and freedoms are restricted. This is for the safety of the patient, staff, and other patients. The mental hospital setting offers 24-hour monitoring of the patient and a more intense level of treatment. The hospital setting is best suited for those who are on suicide watch or experiencing a break from reality.
Why is an inpatient program important?
Having a safe, quiet place away from the stresses of life is why an inpatient program is so helpful. An inpatient facility will do a thorough psych evaluation from the outset. Once a diagnosis is arrived at, the treatment team can prescribe changes in meds and select the best treatment options.
What are the different types of inpatient programs?
There are different types of inpatient programs. These include stand-alone mental hospitals, a ward within a hospital, or a residential mental health program. The right choice is based on how serious the event is, and whether it is acute or chronic in nature.
What is a treatment specialist?
The Treatment Specialist is an online resource for informative articles on mental health conditions and treatment options for adults, teens, and families. For more information about getting help, contact The Treatment Specialist today at
What is residential treatment?
The residential treatment setting is designed to feel more home-like, with a relaxed feel and more personal freedom. Residential programs are a step-down in level of care from an inpatient hospital program. These are a good option for treating mood disorders and those with a dual diagnosis. Residential programs may offer holistic therapies such as guided meditation, art therapy, and yoga to enhance therapy. There will also be access to an outdoor space for quiet time, such as for reading or journaling.
What are the quiet places for healing?
Centers that treat people with severe depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are quiet places for healing. They are peaceful spaces that are helpful for calming the mind, body, and spirit.
Should I voluntarily check myself into a mental health hospital?
Most treatments for mental health issues are voluntary, which means you are the one who chooses to seek help. This can include going to the hospital when you recognize you need extra care.
If I voluntarily admit myself to a psychiatric hospital, can I leave whenever I want?
Voluntarily admitting yourself to a mental health hospital doesn’t mean you can just check out whenever you want. Depending on your situation, you and your treatment team will decide together the best time for you to leave the hospital. Or, if you want to leave the hospital early, you can request an early discharge.
What to pack when you go to a mental health hospital
Every hospital has different rules about what you can bring with you for your stay. If you’re able to plan ahead, most hospitals publish a list online of what you should and shouldn’t bring. You can also call the hospital to ask what’s best to pack.
What happens after you leave a mental health hospital?
Just because you’re leaving the hospital doesn’t mean your mental health treatment will end. The goal of a hospital stay is to keep you safe and help you arrange ongoing mental health treatment outside of the hospital. Voluntary stays in the hospital tend to be short, on average between 3 and 10 days .
The bottom line
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and could benefit from 24/7 support, you might consider voluntarily checking yourself into a mental health hospital. While you’re there, the goal is a short stay to make sure you’re safe and to set you up with a plan for ongoing care.
