The decision to start mental health treatment is not a small one. If you are here reading this, we commend you on looking for help and seeking options.
Specifically, inpatient mental health treatment can be a great option when you or a loved one is in crisis. Throughout this article, we will explore what exactly that means. In addition, we’ll review other treatment options so you can more accurately determine whether inpatient care is the right course of action for your needs.
Understanding Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
Inpatient mental health treatment is for individuals who are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms and/or a mental health crisis. Inpatient care provides a safe environment for stabilization, with 24/7 monitoring. This can provide peace of mind to the patient and the caregiver during unstable times.
Patients in intensive care can expect to receive care from a well-trained team, including experts in psychiatry, nursing, and social work. Medication management, therapy, and crisis intervention are also part of care and are vastly helpful for individuals facing psychosis or other complex mental health challenges.
Ultimately, the goal of inpatient care is to provide the immediate mental and medical support a patient needs so they can eventually transition to less intensive care and gain the skills to prevent relapse or ongoing crises. It is not a long-term solution, but a temporary option when symptoms are too severe to be managed at home or without medical and psychiatric assistance.
Comparing Residential and Inpatient Treatment Options
Residential treatment is not the same as inpatient treatment. Distinguishing the difference is extremely important when evaluating treatment options.
Inpatient mental health treatment takes place in a hospital or inpatient mental health facility. It is intended for a shorter-term stay and immediate stabilization during acute crises.
Residential mental health treatment is a more long-term treatment option. For the most part, patients in residential care have moved away from immediate crisis, and treatment is about maintaining long-term recovery and reducing the chance of future relapse. As a result, residential care is more focused on therapy, psychoeducation, and skill development.
Long story short, inpatient is for urgent situations, and residential supports ongoing recovery after stability has largely been achieved. Choosing between these options depends on immediate needs, safety risks, and medical needs.
Signs Indicating the Need for Inpatient Care
There are several identifiable symptoms and behaviors that may indicate when a higher level of mental health care, such as inpatient, is needed.
For example, suicidal ideation or behavior, threat of harm to self or others, or the inability to care for personal basic needs. Signs of psychosis are important to watch for as well, including paranoia or hearing or seeing sounds or objects/people that aren’t there.
In addition, severe depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and substance use can all escalate to a point where outpatient treatment will no longer cut it. Perinatal and maternal health disorders can also exacerbate symptoms and necessitate monitoring. In all the above cases, individuals may exhibit signs of being overwhelmed, unable to eat or sleep, and overall struggling to function.
Remember, recognizing warning signs early on can make a big difference in preventing further or future harm. If you’re still unsure of what you are looking for or what qualifies, feel free to reach out for help immediately.
Suicide Warning Signs and Prevention
If suicidal ideation, behavior, or tendencies are present, reach out immediately and/or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Understanding suicide warning signs is a large part of prevention and safety. Signs may include expressions of hopelessness, isolation, and sudden withdrawal from relationships, large mood changes, or talk of death. Increased agitation or reckless behavior can also be signals of a mental health crisis.
Remember, signs can look different from person to person. As a loved one, look for irregular conduct or identifiable behavior that could point toward mental distress.
With the right support, suicidal crises can be interrupted. Professional care, proper intervention, and access to mental health resources play a vital role in helping individuals move through these moments safely and toward recovery.
How to Seek Help During a Mental Health Crisis
There are many ways to seek help during a mental health crisis, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Support can come from medical professionals, crisis specialists, or trusted people in your life.
If immediate support is needed, you can:
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
- Contact a local hospital or inpatient mental health facility
- Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support
- Reach out to a trusted loved one, family member, or friend
- Contact your primary care provider or mental health clinician
Emergency rooms are always equipped to respond to mental health emergencies and can provide immediate evaluation and stabilization. In many areas, mobile crisis outreach teams are also available. These teams include certified crisis workers trained to assess risk, provide emotional support, and help determine next steps. This may include inpatient care, partial hospitalization, residential treatment, or outpatient follow-up.
Beyond emergency services, many communities offer local crisis-specific resources, such as mental health crisis care centers, urgent psychiatric clinics, and walk-in assessment services. These options can be especially helpful for individuals who need prompt support but do not require emergency medical intervention.
Reaching out during a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, but early intervention plays a critical role in preventing symptoms from escalating. Help is available, and taking that first step can make a meaningful difference in your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inpatient mental health treatment?
Inpatient mental health treatment is a short-term, intensive care option provided in a hospital or inpatient mental health facility. It offers 24/7 monitoring, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and therapy for individuals experiencing severe symptoms or mental health crises that can’t be safely managed at home.
How do I know if inpatient care is the right option for me or a loved one?
Inpatient care may be appropriate when symptoms pose a safety risk or significantly impair daily functioning. Warning signs include suicidal thoughts or behaviors, psychosis, inability to care for basic needs, severe mood instability, or substance use that has become dangerous. A mental health professional can help assess the most appropriate level of care.
What happens during an inpatient mental health stay?
During an inpatient stay, patients receive structured care from a multidisciplinary mental health care team. Treatment often includes psychiatric evaluations, medication adjustments, individual or group therapy, and discharge planning. The goal is to stabilize symptoms and prepare for continued care after discharge.
How long does inpatient mental health treatment usually last?
Most inpatient stays are short-term and focused on stabilization rather than long-term therapy. Length of stay varies based on symptom severity, safety concerns, and how quickly a person responds to treatment. Discharge planning begins early to ensure continuity of care.
What’s the difference between inpatient and residential mental health treatment?
Inpatient treatment takes place in a hospital or inpatient care setting. Inpatient care focuses on providing immediate stability for patients in acute medical crisis who may also benefit from medical supervision.
Residential treatment is a longer-term care in a live-in setting. It is often used after inpatient stabilization or when symptoms are serious but not immediately dangerous.
Can someone admit themselves to inpatient mental health treatment?
In many cases, individuals can voluntarily seek inpatient care by going to the emergency room or contacting a mental health crisis service. In emergency situations where safety is at risk, involuntary admission may occur based on clinical and legal criteria.
What should I do if someone is in a mental health crisis right now?
If there is immediate danger, contacting emergency medical services or going to the emergency room is the fastest way to access care. If any suicidal thoughts or ideation are occurring, consider calling the crisis hotline at 988. Mental health crisis care centers, mobile crisis outreach teams, and certified crisis workers can also provide urgent evaluations and support.
Is inpatient mental health treatment only for people with suicidal thoughts?
No. While suicide risk is a common reason for inpatient care, it’s also used for severe depression, psychosis, intense anxiety, substance-related crises, and situations where someone can’t safely care for themselves.
What happens after discharge from inpatient treatment?
After discharge, individuals are typically connected with outpatient therapy, psychiatry, residential treatment, or other mental health services. This transition helps maintain progress made during inpatient care and reduces the risk of future crises or relapse.