When it comes to mental health treatment, there are various options available, including inpatient care. But what exactly is inpatient care, and what can you expect from inpatient care? In this article, we’ll explore the basics of inpatient care, its benefits and what you can expect from inpatient care.
What is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient care, also known as inpatient psychiatric care, is a type of mental health treatment that involves staying at a hospital or residential facility for a period of time. This type of care is typically recommended for individuals who require intensive treatment for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Inpatient care is different from outpatient care, which involves visiting a therapist or counselor for regular appointments. Inpatient care is more intensive and provides 24-hour support and supervision, making it a suitable option for individuals who need a higher level of care.
Benefits of inpatient mental health treatment
Inpatient care offers several benefits that make it a valuable option for individuals seeking mental health treatment. Some of these benefits include:
- Intensive Treatment: Inpatient care provides a higher level of care compared to outpatient treatment. This means that individuals receive more intensive treatment, including therapy, medication management and other forms of support.
- 24-Hour Support: Inpatient care facilities have staff available 24/7 to provide support and supervision. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who require constant monitoring or have a history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
- Structured Environment: Inpatient care facilities have a structured environment that helps individuals establish a routine and focus on their recovery. This can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with mental health conditions that make it difficult to maintain a routine.
- Peer Support: Inpatient care facilities provide opportunities for individuals to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This can help individuals feel less alone and provide a sense of community and support.
- Access to Various Therapies: Inpatient care facilities offer a range of therapies, including individual therapy, group therapy, and alternative therapies such as art or music therapy. This allows individuals to explore different forms of treatment and find what works best for them.
What to Expect From Inpatient Care
If you or a loved one is considering inpatient care, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. Here are some common aspects of inpatient care that you can expect:
Admission process
The first step in receiving inpatient care is the admission process. This typically involves a mental health assessment to determine if inpatient care is the best option for the individual. The assessment may include a physical exam, psychological evaluation and a review of the individual’s medical history.
Once the assessment is complete, the individual will be admitted to the inpatient care facility. This process may vary depending on the facility, but it typically involves filling out paperwork, meeting with staff and getting settled into the facility.
Treatment plan
After admission, the individual will work with a team of mental health professionals to create a treatment plan. This plan will outline the individual’s goals for treatment and the various therapies and interventions that will be used to achieve those goals.
The treatment plan may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management and other forms of treatment. It will also be regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed to ensure the individual is receiving the most effective care.
Daily schedule
Inpatient care facilities have a structured daily schedule that includes various activities and therapies. This schedule may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, medication management and other forms of treatment.
In addition to therapy, individuals may also have time for recreational activities, exercise and downtime. The daily schedule is designed to provide a balance of treatment and self-care activities to support the individual’s recovery.
Support and supervision
One of the main benefits of inpatient care is the 24-hour support and supervision provided by staff. This means that individuals have access to support and guidance whenever they need it, which can be especially helpful during difficult moments.
In addition to support, staff also provide supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in the facility. This may include monitoring for any concerning behaviors or providing assistance with daily tasks.
Discharge planning
As the individual progresses in their treatment, the team of mental health professionals will work with them to create a discharge plan. This plan outlines the individual’s next steps after leaving the inpatient care facility and may include recommendations for continued therapy or support.
The discharge planning process is an essential part of inpatient care, as it helps individuals transition back to their daily lives and maintain their progress after leaving the facility.
Outpatient vs Inpatient Care
Outpatient care and inpatient care are two different types of mental health treatment, and the right option for an individual will depend on their specific needs. Here are some key differences between outpatient and inpatient care:
- Level of Care: Inpatient care provides a higher level of care compared to outpatient care. This means that individuals in inpatient care receive more intensive treatment and support.
- Duration of Treatment: Outpatient care typically involves regular appointments with a therapist or counselor, while inpatient care involves staying at a facility for a period of time. The duration of inpatient care can vary depending on the individual’s needs, but it is typically shorter than outpatient care.
- Structure and Support: Inpatient care facilities have a structured environment and provide 24-hour support and supervision, while outpatient care does not. This can be beneficial for individuals who require a more structured and supportive environment to focus on their recovery.
Inpatient Care Can Make a Difference
Mental health inpatient treatment is a valuable option for individuals seeking mental health treatment. It provides a higher level of care, 24-hour support and supervision and a structured environment to support individuals in their recovery.
If you or a loved one is considering inpatient care, it’s essential to understand what to expect and how it can benefit your mental health journey. Beaumont Behavioral Health, located in Dearborn, Michigan, can provide inpatient mental health services for a variety of mental health issues in adults and older adults. Call us today at 313-631-4872 to get started.
With the right support and treatment, inpatient care can help individuals make significant progress towards their mental health goals.
Beaumont Behavioral Health
Beaumont Behavioral Health is a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment facility that offers hope and healing. We provide a continuum of patient behavioral health services across the entire patient population, which includes specialty programs that services adolescents, adults and older adults. We also perform behavioral health assessments 24 hours a day.
Some of our services include our adult programs, which feature individualized treatment planning to target the specific needs of each patient. Our other programs include our adolescents program, which specializes in age-appropriate care for adolescents, ages 12 to 17. We focus on their unique emotional, developmental and behavioral needs at this critical point in their lives.
We’re located in Dearborn, MI, where we offer a caring environment. To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 313-631-4872.
