When someone has a mental health crisis and seeks care, they’re often advised to spend some time in an inpatient facility where they can focus on their recovery. Checking into an inpatient mental health program can be an intimidating prospect, especially for those who have commitments at home. They may have several questions:

  • What happens in an inpatient setting?
  • How long is an inpatient mental health stay?
  • How do therapists determine whether someone requires long-term inpatient care?

The answers depend on the individual and the nature of the mental illness they’re experiencing.

A woman hanging a calendar on the wall, representing the planning and duration considerations of how long is an inpatient mental health stay

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Factors Influencing the Duration of an Inpatient Stay

So, how long does inpatient mental health treatment last? That depends on several factors:

  • Severity of the condition: If a person is experiencing a serious mental illness — for example, engaging in self-harm or expressing suicidal ideation — doctors may suggest a longer period of inpatient treatment.
  • Type of mental health disorder: Some mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or substance-induced psychosis, are more likely to require inpatient treatment. However, in general, it’s a person’s symptoms that determine whether hospitalization is advised rather than their diagnosis.
  • Treatment goals: Residential treatment centers usually work out a personalized treatment plan that describes the goal of the inpatient stay and any ongoing treatment. For example, for someone who’s been struggling with substance abuse, a plan may include a detox plus mental health care.
  • Patient’s response to treatment: Doctors will monitor the individual’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as required.

How Long Is an Inpatient Mental Health Stay?

So, let’s get to the big question: How long is an inpatient mental health stay? The answer depends on what the treatment is for and whether there are any co-occurring issues. There are two main lengths of mental health stays:

  • Short-term stays: A short-term stay can be as little as 24 hours or up to 30 days.
  • Long-term stays: Long-term care lasts for 30 days or more, typically no more than 90 days, though some individuals require treatment for longer.

Now that we’ve covered how long inpatient mental health programs are, we can look at what types of treatment are usually delivered.

A group therapy session with participants shaking hands, representing the supportive environment in inpatient mental health treatment

Treatment Modalities During Inpatient Stay

When determining how long inpatient mental health lasts, therapists and counselors consider the different treatment types:

  • Medication management: One of the main reasons people choose inpatient mental health care is for medication management or medically assisted detox treatments.
  • Individual and group therapy: Intensive individual therapy sessions can be delivered in an inpatient setting, promoting lasting recovery.
  • Family therapy: Depending on the location of the inpatient facility, it may be possible to involve family members in therapy.
  • Specialized therapies (e.g., DBT, EMDR): Camelback Recovery offers a variety of specialized therapies like EMDR, DBT, and ART to suit individuals dealing with depression, PTSD, and other issues.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

Mental health issues come in many different forms and require different treatment approaches. The physicians and counselors will work together to monitor your progress with:

  • Regular evaluations: Through close monitoring and ongoing assessment, the care team will determine how your recovery is progressing.
  • Adjustments based on progress: Depending on the results of those assessments, the team may suggest a longer period of inpatient care or recommend early discharge.

Instead of focusing directly on how long inpatient mental health treatment needs to last, the counselors and care team focus on your individual progress and adjust their treatment plans based on your needs.

A therapist and patient engaged in a counseling session, highlighting the importance of after care therapy following inpatient mental health treatment.

Transitioning From Inpatient to Outpatient Care

  • Discharge planning: When nearing the end of your inpatient treatment, your care team will make plans for a smooth return to your day-to-day life, ensuring you have any medication, support, and information required.
  • Continuity of care: In most cases, mental health care doesn’t stop after being discharged from inpatient care. Your therapists and physicians will arrange outpatient appointments for ongoing therapy and check-ins as required.
  • Support systems post-discharge: Individuals who have access to a strong support network are more likely to have positive outcomes. Your care team will provide information about support groups in your area and stay in touch with you after you leave the facility.

Take Control of Your Mental Health at Camelback Recovery Today

Seeking treatment from a mental health professional is the first step in overcoming a mental health crisis. At Camelback Recovery, our residential treatment center in Peoria, AZ, offers compassionate, confidential inpatient care from an expert therapeutic team.

Call us today at 602-466-9880 to learn more about our inpatient mental health services.

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