Getting inpatient treatment at a psychiatric hospital can be vital to your recovery. It may feel overwhelming at first, but it can help you feel better.
Inpatient mental health treatment is provided in a residential setting. This means that the center where you stay will have everything you need for:
• Sleeping
• Recreation
• Bathing
• Dining
• Treatment
You will get 24 hours a day, seven days a week treatment. There are care providers, counselors, nurses, and one-on-one and group training opportunities. Medical attention will be available when you need it.
What to Expect from Your Stay at a Mental Health Treatment Center
A care team will work with you throughout your stay to design a personalized treatment plan. This team may include psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and social workers.
The length of your stay in a psychiatric hospital is based on your individual needs. For some patients, treatment will only last a few days. For others, treatment may last for weeks or more based on the doctor’s recommendation.
Many people wonder what they should bring with them for inpatient psychiatric care. The recommendation is that you pack light. Bring the things you are going to need for your stay, like linens, blankets, toiletries, and other items that will make you feel comfortable. In most cases, you will be allowed to bring comfortable shoes and clothing as long as they do not have laces or drawstrings. Books can be a good source of entertainment. Some electronic devices may be used based on the center’s policies.
Before checking in, it is good to talk to the staff to get a complete list of allowed items and items that are prohibited. Usually, items like belts, food and drink, cigarettes, and controlled substances are not allowed inside.
Inpatient psychiatric centers have daily routines and a laid-out structure designed to help patients recover. You should expect that treatment, sleep, meals, and group therapy will be scheduled for you.
You will be invited to participate in one-on-one care sessions throughout the day. You will have some free time in between treatments and other activities. Part of this time will be used to keep your living space tidy. Most facilities have a supervised outdoor space where you will be able to play games, do puzzles, and engage in other activities. If you require medical treatment, your care team will ensure that you are cared for.
Your care team’s primary responsibility is to keep you safe as you go through treatment. To this end, they will require you to adhere to the center’s safety rules.
You will be allowed to make phone calls. You may be able to have visitors in supervised areas. All visitors must go through a security checkpoint to ensure they do not introduce prohibited items into the care center. In most cases, mental health centers limit the number of phone calls you can make and how many visitors you can have. This allows you more time to get the treatment you need. Talk to the staff about visiting hours to get more information.
Setting goals and realizing goals are a vital part of the recovery process. After checking into the care facility, one of the first things you will do is discuss your goals with a staff member and complete an assessment. In your mind, you may have a primary goal, like overcoming mental illness or recovering from addiction. Talking about what you want to accomplish is a crucial first step in getting you where you need to be.
Those who work in the care treatment facility will also set goals for you. They want to help you build the coping skills that are needed to understand mental illness or addiction. Working as a team can help you create achievable goals that will put you in a position to enjoy long-term recovery and success.
Don’t be fooled by the beautiful settings and amenities at the inpatient treatment center. You will not be spending your days relaxing and sleeping. Most programs require you to get of bed every day, turn on the lights at a particular time, and turn them out at a certain time. Clinicians will provide you with predictable schedules, including times to eat lunch, breakfast, and dinner. They will likely offer you a set menu, so you will know what you will eat in advance.
Residential treatment facilities are not just there to give you busy work. Intensive programs are designed to keep you focused on recovery by providing a stable structure that can help you stay healthy after leaving treatment. Are you ready to get started? We are prepared to help. Call us today at 833-820-2922.