Inpatient mental health care is the best way to offer treatment and a safe space when someone is going through a mental health crisis. While it may seem overwhelming at first, you can look at it as a place where professionals are available 24/7 with the goal of stabilizing your emotions and beginning your recovery journey.
Inpatient mental health care is exactly what you need when you are feeling overwhelmed. The setting allows you to stay under the observation of doctors, nurses, and therapists. It also removes you from your current environment, such as work, family, and school, which may contribute to your symptoms.
For most people, entering an inpatient mental health treatment center feels like failing to overcome something difficult. But that is not the case. Inpatient health care is simply a higher level of care that allows you to overcome escalated mental health conditions and better care for yourself during future severe episodes.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care
Wondering what works better for you—inpatient or outpatient care? Here’s the difference.
Let’s take the example of Jake. He goes to school, eats regularly, and maintains healthy friendships. During his weekly therapy sessions, he opened up about his anxiety and how it has affected his quality of life for months.
Outpatient care is ideal for him.
In contrast, Mary has been having panic attacks all day. She has trouble sleeping and thinks about hurting herself. In this case, outpatient care may not be enough, and inpatient care can be a better option.
Level of Supervision and Support
The biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient care is the level of supervision each requires. Inpatients stay at a facility where nurses, doctors, and therapists are available 24/7. This allows the care team to adjust treatment and handle any emergency that comes up.
Inpatient care can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how long it takes to stabilize a patient’s symptoms. Inpatient treatment focuses on crisis stabilization, which means providers usually recommend long-term therapy afterward.
The intensity of inpatient treatment is also something to consider. You may receive therapy several times a day as part of the treatment.
In comparison, outpatient care involves scheduled appointments while patients live at home and regularly speak to a specialist about their symptoms and triggers. Outpatient care can last weeks, months, or even years, with appointments typically limited to once or twice a week.
What to Expect From Inpatient Mental Health Care During Admission
When you walk into an inpatient facility, the environment may feel intimidating. A lack of information and common stereotypes fuel much of this anxiety. However, the admission process is designed to make the patient feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
Here’s what you can expect from inpatient mental health care:
Intake Assessment
The first step is an intake assessment. This is essentially a questionnaire that helps the care team get to know you. A clinician will ask questions about your symptoms, mood, sleep, and medical history. Asking these questions helps the staff understand how to keep the patient safe and comfortable.
Medical and Psychiatric Evaluations
Next, the patient goes through medical and psychiatric evaluations. These may include checking blood pressure, heart rate, and other important health indicators that can affect mental health.
The psychiatric evaluation focuses on your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is similar to a mental health checkup that helps the doctor understand whether anxiety, medication, or another factor is affecting your mental state.
It is important to note that mental health and physical health are closely linked. These evaluations consider how both psychological and physical health are affected when someone is struggling.
Treatment Planning
Once the evaluation is complete, the patient receives a personalized roadmap for recovery. This includes which medications are needed, daily routines, and short-term goals. Giving patients this roadmap helps replace fear with clarity so they can focus on healing and recovery.
Finding the Best Inpatient Facility for Adults
Finding an inpatient mental health facility for adults near you can be challenging. You are not just choosing the biggest building or the closest location—you are choosing a place where you can overcome mental health challenges and focus on rebuilding your life.
Luckily, Alter Behavioral Health has a network of upscale facilities across Southern California, making it easier to receive the type of care you need. Whether you need inpatient or outpatient care, Alter Behavioral Health supports individuals who want more structure and stability in their daily lives.
At Alter Behavioral Health, we focus on treating depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and more. We provide tailored programs that lead to better outcomes while addressing each person’s specific mental health concerns.
If you or a loved one is struggling and needs immediate, structured support, Alter Behavioral Health is here to help. Reach out today to book your first session with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inpatient mental health care?
Inpatient mental health care means staying at a licensed facility where patients receive 24/7 support, therapy, and medical supervision. It’s designed for people who need immediate and structured care during a mental health crisis.
Who needs inpatient mental health treatment?
Inpatient mental health treatment is recommended for people experiencing severe symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, extreme anxiety, psychosis, or the inability to function safely at home.
How long does inpatient mental health treatment last?
Most inpatient mental health stays are short-term, lasting a few days to a couple of weeks. The goal is to stabilize symptoms and create a safe plan for ongoing care.
What is the difference between mental health inpatient and outpatient care?
Mental health inpatient care provides constant supervision and intensive treatment, while outpatient care involves scheduled visits and living at home. Inpatient care is used when safety and stability are immediate concerns.
What should families know about what to expect from inpatient mental health care?
What to expect from inpatient mental health care includes intake assessments, daily therapy, medical monitoring, and treatment planning. Families are often involved in updates and discharge planning.
Are inpatient mental health facilities near me confidential?
Yes, inpatient mental health facilities near me follow strict privacy laws to protect patient information. Confidentiality is a core part of ethical mental health treatment.
How do I choose the best inpatient mental health facilities for adults?
The best inpatient mental health facilities for adults offer licensed staff, personalized treatment plans, and clear aftercare support. Specialization and patient safety should always come first.
