Care and treatment for mental health-related issues is offered in a variety of settings. Several factors contribute to the level or type of care, including the nature and severity of the person’s mental health, their physical health and the type of treatment indicated.
If you or a loved one are struggling to cope with a mental health disorder, inpatient mental health treatment is an avenue you may want to consider. But what is inpatient behavioral health treatment?
What Is Inpatient Behavioral Health Treatment?
Inpatient behavioral health treatment is a highly structured and carefully supervised program. It is the most intensive level of treatment available to those suffering from mental health and addictive disorders. Inpatient care consists of 24-hour care at a safe and secure inpatient mental health facility and staffed by mental health professionals. Inpatient care teams often consist of primary care providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, substance use counselors, social workers, nurses, behavioral health practitioners and more.
Everything patients need during their stay is typically provided at an inpatient facility, including space for treatment, bathing, sleeping, recreation and dining.
People who attend inpatient behavioral health treatment can expect to undergo a behavioral diagnostic assessment and evaluation upon arriving as well as possible medication stabilization and management. Medication side effects can occur, which is why it is important to have a knowledgeable care team on staff to ensure each client’s safety and comfort.
The duration of time a person needs to stay in an inpatient behavioral health treatment facility varies depending on several factors, including the person’s overall physical health and the type of mental health condition(s) needing treatment, in addition to other factors. Treatment may last a few days to weeks, but in some cases treatment may be necessary for several months.
Once patients are ready to return to regular life after discharge from inpatient mental health treatment, aftercare support is often offered through inpatient mental health treatment programs.
What Is Treated During Inpatient Behavioral Health Treatment?
Inpatient behavioral health treatment typically helps with the stabilization of symptoms while offering educational and therapeutic services in addition to planning for reintegration back to the community.
Circumstances that may warrant inpatient behavioral treatment include:
- Suicidal behavior or thoughts
- Severe depression
- Hallucinations or seeing/hearing things that are not there
- Schizophrenia
- Severe substance abuse problems
- Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
- Not eating or sleeping for several days
- Being unable to care for one’s daily needs, including hygiene or eating
- Unsuccessful treatment with previous therapies and medications
A sense of community is also fostered among residents of inpatient facilities, creating a unique environment for healing through group therapy and time spent with others who go through similar struggles.
Who Should Go to Inpatient Behavioral Health Treatment?
People who need intensive care and constant monitoring are best suited for the inpatient environment.
Inpatient mental health treatment is usually recommended for people who:
- Have difficulty caring for themselves
- Pose a threat to themselves or others
- Experience delusions, hallucinations or out-of-control thoughts
- Exhibit suicidal behaviors or thoughts
- Have a co-occurring addictive disorder
Addicts who struggle with getting their symptoms under control can be kept safe in an inpatient setting while doctors and care teams work to find the right medication, routine and/or therapy to help each patient achieve stability.
You do not have to struggle with mental illness and/or addiction alone. My Recovery Source is here to help you or your loved one find the most suitable inpatient behavioral health facility for you. Sometimes inpatient behavioral health treatment is the only thing that can make a significant difference for some patients in order for them to be able to live truly happy and functional lives. Contact us today to speak with one of our caring representatives. Every call is confidential.
