Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
Inpatient mental health programs are a vital level of care that’s saved many lives. Although everyone should be aware of these treatment programs, they are still highly stigmatized and misunderstood.
When you’re in crisis, going to the hospital for mental health treatment is the best way to ensure you get the proper level of care. It’s not entirely different from going to the hospital for a medical emergency.
Inpatient Mental Health Programs: What to Expect
Each inpatient mental health program will have its own style, but for the most part, they will follow that same treatment pattern.
First, you may be prescribed medication. Your treatment team might recommend that you start taking medications on a long-term basis or take them temporarily while you stabilize in the hospital. The longevity of your medication will depend on the severity of your condition.
In some cases, they won’t recommend any medications at all. It depends on your mental health condition, preferences, and medical and family histories.
Which Disorders Do Inpatient Programs Treat?
Adult inpatient mental health treatment programs help address a range of psychiatric disorders.
Our caring clinical team is here to support you every step of the way. Some of the most common mental health disorders we can treat in our adult inpatient program include:
- anxiety
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- schizophrenia
A Typical Day of Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient programs are designed to help stabilize your mind and body from the symptoms of mental health conditions. We offer comprehensive care and a wide variety of therapeutic interventions.
Adult women and men will participate in the following treatment methods, which address and care for any mental health concerns and any existing co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD):
- Groups led by qualified mental health professionals that include topics like good health, psycho-education, mental health, substance abuse, medications, sleep, and good hygiene.
- skill-building trainings
- individual counseling
- family therapy
- medication management
- alternative therapies
- physician visits to address any medical needs
Every patient will receive an ongoing assessment of needs for the duration of their treatment program.
Who Should You Contact If You Need Mental Health Care?
If you’re in crisis and not sure who to call, we recommend reaching out to:
- Your local (or regional) mental health crisis helpline.
- The National Suicide Hotline at 988
- The Truhealing toll-free number to talk to a mental health specialist who will work with you to determine your treatment needs.
How Hard Is It to Enroll In Inpatient Care?
Because this service is highly needed, getting into an inpatient treatment program can be difficult unless your symptoms are very severe, such as suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others.
Many psychiatric hospitals have these restrictive admissions policies, so people who qualify for voluntary admission often also meet the standard to be committed involuntarily.
What is Involuntary Commitment?
Involuntary commitment or being committed can happen when a police officer, doctor, care professional, or family member requests, and then is granted by a judge, an order to have someone admitted to a mental health inpatient program. This is typically done for their safety.
To meet involuntary commitment criteria, someone must be:
- in danger of harming themselves due to a mental illness
- in danger of hurting other people because of mental illness
- in danger of harm from being unable to care for themselves due to mental illness
You will also meet the criteria if you have a suicide plan, have stopped caring for yourself in a way that puts you in danger, or have physically attacked someone else. Substance abuse doesn’t apply here; your symptoms must be from a mental condition, not substance abuse.
How Long Does Mental Health Treatment Last?
The length of mental health treatment will depend solely on your condition. Depending on the severity, you could be in the hospital for two to three days or as long as a month (though it is rare).
Psychiatric stays tend to be shorter in a hospital setting as they treat more acute symptoms. However, if you’re looking for long-term mental health support, a mental health facility is better suited to provide that.
Who Should Attend Inpatient Treatment for Mental Health?
Anyone experiencing a severe mental health crisis is eligible to attend an adult inpatient mental health program. When your mental health symptoms become too intense to manage on your own, an inpatient program is the best place to receive support.
When Do You Need Inpatient Care?
Common symptoms that indicate a need for mental health inpatient care include:
- manic episodes
- severe depression
- self-harming behaviors
- suicidal intent or plans
- altered mental health or delirium
- psychosis (delusions or hallucinations)
- escalating recklessness and impulsive behavior
It’s crucial to remember that the deciding factor for hospitalization is your symptoms, not your diagnosis. Other things outside your mental health can cause temporary severe mental health episodes. These outlying circumstances include:
- reactions to prescription medications
- complications of medical conditions
- severe emotional distress or trauma
- extreme physical stress
- head trauma
- substance abuse
On the other hand, conditions that are more likely to require inpatient treatment include:
- mood disorders (major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder)
- psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia)
- substance-use-related disorders (substance-induced psychosis or depression)
These conditions put you at the most significant risk for harm, so they are more heavily prioritized. Anyone with these conditions will find it challenging to care for themselves and keep safe.
Finding Inpatient Mental Healthcare Near You
Truhealing is here to support your mental health and answer any questions you may have. Contact us if you or a loved one need inpatient mental health care or are curious about how the program works. Call 27/4 at (833) 641-0572.
Lets Recover Together.
Sources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Types of Treatment Programs
Youth.gov – Treatment Options for Youth with Mental Health Disorders
WE’RE ONE CALL AWAY.
Start TruHealing Today
100% Confidential