What is Inpatient Psychiatric Care Like

Learn About the Levels of Mental Health Care and What is Inpatient Psychiatric Care Like

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.

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.

People may think about the way mental health centers are shown in the movies, but that is fiction. In reality, mental health treatment is not like the scary scenes you may have seen on the big screen.

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.

When is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Needed?

You may have been struggling with a mental health disorder for years. In most cases, people receive treatment for mental illness by a doctor or therapist. These mental health experts may have been able to manage the condition well enough so you can function in life.

But mood disorders can sometimes require changes in meds, or the illness itself gets worse. When symptoms worsen it can be harder to fulfill daily tasks or to function at work.

In the case of depression, sinking deeper into the symptoms can even stir up thoughts of suicide. Likewise, severe anxiety can also worsen, causing intense fear of even leaving the house.

Someone battling substance abuse and a also a mental health disorder may find their life at risk by the dual issues. Someone with bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder may seem to have a break from reality. Any of these cases offer good cause to seek out an inpatient mental health treatment program.

A mental health crisis occurs when the person becomes a danger to him or herself or others. This would warrant the highest level of care. In fact, about 5 million adults visited the ER due to a mental health event in 2014. With suicide rates much higher now, this number is sure to have risen by 2021.

What Is Inpatient Mental Health Care Like?

Inpatient mental health treatment will vary based on the unique needs and mental state of each person. In case of an urgent event, it is likely that the patient will have very limited personal freedoms. They may even be in a secured ward or restrained for a while. But these are the extreme cases. Most people that need this level of care will have more treatment options to select from.

Some may need more focused treatment than what their private doctors or an outpatient facility provides. 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. Treatment involves both one-on-one and group therapy sessions.

There are two basic options for inpatient mental health treatment, a hospital setting, or a residential setting. These venues will define what to expect in a care setting:

Residential center

The residential treatment setting is designed to feel more home-like, with a relaxed feel and more freedom of movement. 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. These programs may offer holistic methods 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 keeping a journal.

Hospital setting

The hospital setting is reserved for the more severe cases. The main goal is to stabilize the patient. A hospital has a stricter, more sterile feel, and freedoms are few. 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 care. This setting is best suited for those who are on suicide watch or experiencing a break from reality.

The Treatment Specialist Can Locate Inpatient Mental Health Treatment

The Treatment Specialist is an online resource for content about mental health issues and treatment for adults, teens, and families. If your loved one is struggling with a decline in mental health, contact The Treatment Specialist today at (866) 644-7911.