In a more acute situation, an individual may be experiencing a psychiatric crisis and may become a danger to him or herself or others. During an acute event, the person may be experiencing hallucinations or has become violent or suicidal. In these cases, a psychiatric hospital would be the appropriate level of care, where the first priority is to protect and stabilize the patient.
Mental health treatment facilities can be found in many different venues. Inpatient mental health programs can be located within a variety of settings, such as a home, a medical hospital, a farm setting, or a psychiatric hospital. There are also outpatient treatment mental health treatment programs available, which are more appropriate for a stabilized patient.
Mental health treatment facilities, depending on the specialties they treat, may offer care for depression, anxiety spectrum disorders (generalized anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD), bipolar disorder, and eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia).