Claire Dawson
Admitting yourself to a psychiatric hospital is a brave step towards healing and stability. It is a personal decision often taken during a time of distress or crisis, where outpatient treatments may no longer be sufficient. Common reasons for admission include experiencing psychosis, mania, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts, paranoia, or violent behaviour. The process of checking into a psychiatric hospital involves an evaluation by a psychiatrist, who will determine a treatment plan. This may include psychotherapy and medication. It is important to know your rights as a patient, including that you cannot be detained against your will unless you present a clear danger to yourself or others. If you are considering admission, it is advisable to understand the process, bring a supportive companion, and be prepared for rules and restrictions to ensure your safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to admit yourself | Experiencing psychosis, mania, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts/behaviours, paranoia, self-harm, a sudden change in mental status, or a severe mental health condition that impacts your ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, grooming, and bathing. |
| Who can admit themselves | An individual can admit themselves for a crisis or inpatient treatment if they are at high risk of harming themselves or others. |
| What to expect | Initially being in a locked ward, having certain items locked away, following a schedule for meals, treatments, activities, and bedtime. A psychiatrist will evaluate you and determine a treatment plan. |
| Rights as a patient | You have the right to leave on your own within a reasonable time frame, but a mental health professional will evaluate your safety before giving the go-ahead. |
| Payment | Most hospitals offer payment plans, financial assistance, or sliding scale fees for those without insurance. Public psychiatric hospitals may offer reduced costs or free services. |
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What You'll Learn
- When to admit yourself: suicidal thoughts, paranoia, self-harm, psychosis, mania, substance misuse?
- Involuntary vs voluntary admission: involuntary for safety reasons, voluntary gives control
- Preparing for admission: call ahead, understand rules, bring advocate, expect paperwork
- Treatment: evaluation, psychotherapy, medication, inpatient or residential
- Discharge and aftercare: follow-up team, medication, treatment plan, alternative living
When to admit yourself: suicidal thoughts, paranoia, self-harm, psychosis, mania, substance misuse
Checking into a psychiatric hospital can be a daunting thought, but it can be helpful to know when admission may be beneficial or necessary. Here are some signs that indicate when it is appropriate to admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital:
Suicidal Thoughts
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to seek immediate help. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 to connect with a trained counselor who can provide support and assistance. If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, don't hesitate to call 911. Severe depression symptoms, including thoughts of self-harm or harming others, are indicators that inpatient treatment may be necessary.
Paranoia
Paranoia, often associated with manic episodes, can be a reason for admission. If you experience paranoia that leads to a sense of your life being cut short or poses a threat of harm to yourself or others, seeking inpatient care can provide a safe and protected environment for you to receive the help you need.
Self-Harm
When individuals start to harm themselves or exhibit behaviours that indicate they might harm others, it is a critical indicator that psychiatric hospitalization is needed. This is especially true if the individual is also experiencing other acute symptoms, such as hearing voices that encourage violence.
Psychosis
Psychosis, a condition where an individual loses touch with reality, is a common reason for admission to a psychiatric hospital. If you or someone you know is experiencing psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices or displaying psychotic behaviour, inpatient treatment can provide a safe environment for evaluation, stabilization, and treatment.
Mania
Mania is a common reason for admission to psychiatric hospitals. If you are experiencing mania, characterized by extreme mood swings, extraordinary outbursts, and erratic behaviour, inpatient treatment can help stabilize your condition and provide a safe space for evaluation and treatment. This is especially important if mania is interfering with your ability to take care of yourself, such as eating, bathing, or sleeping properly.
Substance Misuse
Substance misuse, including drug and alcohol abuse, is another reason for admission to a psychiatric hospital. Inpatient treatment can facilitate detoxification under the supervision of addiction professionals. This ensures a safe and monitored environment for individuals to overcome substance misuse and receive the necessary mental health support.
Remember, it is important to recognize when admission may be beneficial or necessary for your well-being or the well-being of a loved one. Don't hesitate to reach out for help and take advantage of the resources available to support you through this process.
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Involuntary vs voluntary admission: involuntary for safety reasons, voluntary gives control
Admitting yourself to a psychiatric hospital is a profound step toward healing and stability. It is a personal decision that often comes at a time of significant distress or crisis. Understanding the process, expectations, and your rights as a patient is essential.
Voluntary admission to a psychiatric hospital refers to checking yourself in for treatment. It gives you more control over your mental health care and allows you to plan ahead. You can choose to get treatment and go to a hospital for psychiatric care. However, it's important to remember that you cannot check out whenever you want. Your discharge will be decided in consultation with your treatment team, keeping your safety in mind.
In contrast, involuntary admission occurs when health professionals admit someone without their consent for safety reasons. Every state has laws that allow for hospitalization against a person's will for a certain period, typically 72 hours, to keep them safe and provide necessary help. This usually happens when an individual is deemed a danger to themselves or others due to their mental illness.
While voluntary admission gives you more control, it is crucial to recognize when admission is necessary. Common reasons for admission include experiencing psychosis, mania, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts or behaviours, paranoia, or severe impairment in basic activities of daily living, such as eating, grooming, and bathing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are in a mental health crisis, seeking help from a hospital or residential treatment facility is essential for your well-being.
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Preparing for admission: call ahead, understand rules, bring advocate, expect paperwork
Preparing for admission
Call ahead: If you are considering admitting yourself to a psychiatric hospital, you may want to ask a friend or family member to help you through the process. If possible, you or they can call the hospital ahead of time to learn about the hospital's rules and procedures and ask about what items you should bring with you. You can also find out about visiting hours and telephone access.
Understand the rules: Psychiatric hospitals have rules to ensure your safety, such as locking away certain items that you could use to harm yourself, e.g. belts, razors, and shoelaces. You will also need to follow a schedule for meals, treatments, activities, and bedtime. It is important to understand that you cannot leave a psychiatric hospital at will, and you will be in a secured unit.
Bring an advocate: It can be helpful to bring your best advocate with you, such as a spouse, parent, close friend, or relative—someone who knows you and is familiar with your situation.
Expect paperwork: Checking into a psychiatric hospital involves a lot of paperwork. A psychiatrist will evaluate you to determine an appropriate treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Once admitted, the goal is to stabilize your mental health and keep you safe.
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Treatment: evaluation, psychotherapy, medication, inpatient or residential
Treatment
Evaluation
If you are considering admitting yourself to a psychiatric hospital, it is likely that you are experiencing emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation will help to diagnose these issues and determine the best course of treatment. This evaluation will consider your behaviours, symptoms, and complete medical history. It may also include lab tests to check for any underlying medical conditions.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a key treatment method in psychiatric hospitals, often used in conjunction with medication. It involves working with mental health professionals to address mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, and personal goals.
Medication
Psychiatric medications are prescription drugs that affect the chemical makeup of the brain and nervous system. Commonly prescribed medications include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium. These medications are typically synthetic chemical compounds, and while they have been leading treatments for mental disorders since the mid-20th century, they do carry risks of neurotoxic adverse effects.
Inpatient or Residential
Inpatient and residential programs offer intensive mental health treatment from experienced professionals, often combining group and individual therapy. Inpatient programs are usually shorter stays focused on crisis stabilization and medical services, while residential programs offer longer-term stays of up to three months, providing skills and resources for long-term recovery. Many patients find it helpful to transition from a psychiatric hospital to an inpatient program for continued care.
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Discharge and aftercare: follow-up team, medication, treatment plan, alternative living
Discharge from a psychiatric hospital can be a vulnerable, stressful, and emotionally charged time, and individuals are at high risk of suicide after discharge. It is important to have a comprehensive aftercare plan in place, which can include a follow-up team, medication, a treatment plan, and alternative living arrangements.
Follow-up Team
After discharge, individuals should have access to a follow-up team that can provide support and continued treatment. This team may include a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist, a community psychiatric nurse, a social worker, or a member of the Community Mental Health Team. In some cases, individuals may also have an advocate, such as an IMHA, who can help them understand their rights and speak on their behalf.
Medication
Medication management is crucial after discharge to ensure that individuals adhere to their prescribed medications and avoid relapse. Family physicians or other healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in reconciling medications and reinforcing adherence.
Treatment Plan
A comprehensive treatment plan should be in place after discharge to ensure continuity of care. This plan may include regular mental health assessments, education on coping strategies, risk assessments, safety planning, building social support, and coordinated care between healthcare providers. In some cases, individuals may be referred to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which is a court-ordered treatment plan.
Alternative Living
Alternative living arrangements may be necessary for some individuals after discharge, especially if they are unable to return to their previous living situation. This may involve living in a specific place or facility as a condition of their discharge or seeking alternative housing options with the support of their follow-up team.
Overall, a well-coordinated and comprehensive aftercare plan that addresses the individual's specific needs can help reduce the risk of relapse, re-hospitalization, and adverse outcomes, such as heightened suicide risk and homelessness.
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Frequently asked questions
Some signs that indicate a need for inpatient treatment include a sudden change in mental status, such as suicidal thoughts, paranoia, violent behaviour, substance misuse, mania, or psychosis. Hospitalization may also be helpful if you are too unwell to eat, sleep, or take care of yourself properly.
If possible, call the hospital ahead of time to learn about their rules and procedures and ask about what items you are allowed to bring with you. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to help you through the process of checking in and filling out paperwork.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you to determine an appropriate treatment plan. You will be in a locked unit, and certain items may be locked away to prevent self-harm. You will follow a schedule for meals, treatments, activities, and bedtime.
The amount you are responsible for may vary depending on your insurance coverage. Most hospitals offer payment plans, financial assistance, or sliding scale fees for people who don't have insurance. Public psychiatric hospitals may offer reduced costs or free services, and private hospitals may also offer low-cost or free services.
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