Psychiatric hospitals
provide intensive treatment of severe mental illnesses for children, teens and adults. Individuals may admit themselves or can be admitted by someone if it can be demonstrated that the individual's life is at risk or the lives of others are at risk because of the individual's condition. These hospitals may offer outpatient as well as inpatient treatment. Patients who make progress while admitted can be discharged on the condition that they continue treatment in a less restrictive environment like outpatient therapy.
Features
Patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals are given a variety of treatments on a daily basis. Medications are administered, usually at the same time every day, and each patient visits with a psychiatrist every day as well. Social workers, therapists and counselors provide individual and group therapy sessions throughout the day. Some hospitals also incorporate substance abuse counseling for dual diagnosed patients and may conduct AA meetings weekly.
Benefits
The environment of psychiatric hospitals is well structured. Daily routines are established and maintained, which provides the patients with a sense of stability. Group therapy sessions are beneficial because they allow patients to learn from each other and offer them the opportunity to express their feelings. Also, school-aged patients receive several hours of instruction from teachers so as not to fall behind in their studies.
Insurance Coverage
Although health insurance plans may provide coverage for admissions to a psychiatric hospital, there are usually limitations on the amount of coverage provided. Insurers may only cover a certain number of days of a patient's admission per year. Once the maximum allowed days are used, the patient becomes responsible for the cost of the remainder of the admission. Recurrent episodes and long term admissions can result in significant financial harm, including bankruptcy.
Intake
Upon arrival at a psychiatric hospital, the patient is thoroughly interviewed about her medical history as well as reasons for admittance. Patients are then searched for contraband such as drugs, weapons, matches or anything else that can cause harm to the patient or others in the hospital. Nurses conduct a physical evaluation and make note of any marks on the body. Finally, patients are evaluated by a psychiatrist and a medication management plan is initiated.
Time Frame
An admission to a psychiatric hospital lasts a minimum of 72 hours. Although the average admission lasts for several weeks, a patient can request to be discharged after 72 hours. Doctors can seek a court order for a patient to remain beyond 72 days whether that patient was admitted to the hospital voluntarily or involuntarily. If commitment proceedings are not brought before a court and the patient leaves without the hospital's approval, this is called a discharge against medical advice (AMA). AMA discharges protect the hospital from legal responsibility should the patient cause harm after being released.
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