When to Seek Inpatient Mental Health Treatment

Signs You Might Need Inpatient Mental Health Treatment

Many people avoid seeking mental health care because they don’t want to make a fuss. If you’re unsure when to go to inpatient mental health treatment, consider the following signs. You or your loved one might benefit from inpatient care if any of the following apply to you:

• Severe symptoms: If an individual is experiencing intense feelings of depression, anxiety, or psychosis, it might be a good idea to seek inpatient treatment. Residential treatment can give a person who’s experiencing symptoms that impair daily functioning the time and space they need to recover.
• Risk of harm: If a person’s physical health is at risk — for example, through self-harm or a desire to take their own life — inpatient therapy could help. Residential treatment centers can also support people who are experiencing psychotic episodes or who may present a risk to others.
• Inability to cope: In some cases, a person may have already been receiving outpatient treatment but feel their mental health isn’t improving or they’re still struggling to cope. A short-term inpatient mental health stay could be enough to ensure they get the support they need.

If you’re wondering when to seek treatment for a mental health disorder or are nervous about talking to doctors and therapists, don’t worry. These healthcare professionals have worked with many people in a similar position to you, and their focus is on helping you recover by providing the best possible care. They understand that people from all walks of life struggle with mental health conditions, and they can help you defeat suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and other challenges.

Benefits of Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient facilities closely monitor residents and offer a higher level of support than outpatient facilities. This kind of care has several potential benefits:

• Structured environment: Residential treatment takes place in a safe, structured environment, free from the challenges and stresses of day-to-day life. Inpatient mental health communities give people the time and space they need to focus on recovery from their mental health issues, reducing the risk of relapse or external influences causing distress.
• 24-7 care: For people with complex care needs, such as suicidal thoughts or co-occurring conditions, having 24-hour supervision is invaluable. This kind of care eliminates any immediate danger the person might be in and helps caregivers observe them to determine the best treatment options.
• Comprehensive treatment: Physicians and counselors at an inpatient mental health center can deliver specialist care that might not be available in an outpatient setting. For example, they can offer medically assisted detox care for those struggling with substance use and medication management for individuals who require it. Inpatient communities also offer a variety of intensive therapies and counseling programs.

What to Expect in Inpatient Treatment

The exact process for receiving treatment at an inpatient facility depends on your reason for seeking care and the type of mental health treatment you require. In general, you can expect the process to work as follows:

• Admission: During your initial appointment, a professional will discuss your mental health with you to learn what prompted you to seek treatment. They’ll consider your mental health history, the presence of a dual diagnosis, or any physical health issues and work with you to determine the most suitable type of care.
• Daily routine: You’ll have a care team that includes counselors, therapists, and any relevant specialists to assist with your mental health. If you need medication, they’ll prescribe this, and while you’re at the inpatient facility, you’ll have someone helping you keep track of that medication. You’ll be busy with a range of individual and group therapies, along with life skills sessions and activities relevant to your needs. You’ll have some personal time, and you’ll be encouraged to pursue healthy and productive activities during that time.
• Therapies offered: Camelback Recovery offers a variety of therapy options, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). We also offer attachment-based therapy and narrative therapy. Your care team will assess your condition and work with you to determine the treatment options most likely to benefit your circumstances.

How to Prepare for Inpatient Treatment

Before checking in to an inpatient treatment facility, it’s a good idea to prepare. Of course, this isn’t always possible if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, so if you’re not able to pack everything you need, the facility will do its best to help you get comfortable during your stay. Some things to consider include:

• Packing essentials: If possible, pack comfortable clothes and books or magazines. Some facilities will allow you to bring in a mobile phone or electronic entertainment device. Others don’t allow this. Cards, stuffed animals, and other small items are usually permitted, but leave anything valuable at home.
• Mental preparation: If you’re nervous about inpatient treatment, don’t hesitate to call the facility to ask questions before you go. It’s normal to feel anxious when you’re going to be staying somewhere new, and the care team would be happy to answer your questions.
• Communicating with loved ones: If you have friends and family members you trust, talk to them about your mental health and explain that you’ve decided to seek inpatient therapy. Show them links to the facility and tell them you’ve decided to take positive steps to care for your mental health. By explaining how the facility will help you address your mental health challenges, you’ll help them understand your struggles so they can better support you.

When to Transition From Inpatient to Outpatient Care

Now that we’ve covered when to seek inpatient mental health care, the next natural question is how to tell if you’re ready to check out of the community. Your care team will monitor your progress and offer advice on this.

• Signs of improvement: For the duration of the stay, therapists, counselors, and doctors will take notes on your mental health condition and any changes. If you’re showing signs of improvement, your care plan will be adjusted to reflect this. If they feel your mental health is under control, they’ll start planning for you to return home.
• Continuing care plans: While the most intensive care is delivered in an inpatient setting, clients aren’t simply forgotten about once they go home. Ongoing support in the form of medication, outpatient psychiatric services, and regular check-ins is part of the service. People who engage with this ongoing support are the most likely to maintain their mental health in the future. The exact approach depends on your specific mental health needs, and your care team will review the continuing care plan with you.

The above assumes you chose to seek mental health treatment yourself. In the event of a very severe mental health crisis, such as someone who’s expressing strong suicidal thoughts, the police or a family member may pursue an involuntary commitment. This is a process where someone can request that a person be taken into inpatient care if a mental health professional believes they’re a danger to themselves or others.

When someone enters treatment in this way, they’ll only be held until they’re deemed stable enough to be released. This could happen after a few hours or days or after the commitment order ends.

Those who choose to seek inpatient therapy themselves are free to leave at any time. However, it’s generally best to see out the duration of the treatment and continue with the ongoing support that the facility offers.

Find the Best Inpatient Mental Health Treatment at Camelback Recovery Today

If you feel you need inpatient treatment or are looking for support for a loved one, Camelback Recovery is here to help. Our intensive care programs can help individuals with complex care needs, dual diagnoses, or a history of substance use.

Call Camelback Recovery at 602-466-9880 to learn about our inpatient mental health services and book a consultation today.