When Admitting A Client To An Inpatient Mental Health Facility
Admitting someone to an inpatient mental health facility is not always simple. That is because we don't really know much about these things, and we don't know when the right time is!
In all honesty, there isn't a set time for a client to be admitted to inpatient care. You simply need to take your patient to a mental health specialist, who will inform you when admitting a client to an inpatient mental health facility.
However, before admitting your patient into inpatient care, you should be aware of how exactly inpatient care operates as well as its objectives and other factors. Everything you need to know is covered in this article.
What is mental health inpatient care?
Inpatient mental health care is a form of treatment for those people who are suffering from mental health difficulties. The distinction between outpatient and inpatient care is that the latter requires you to remain in a hospital (specifically, a mental health section or area) for a specified period.
Nowadays, inpatient treatment programs aim to treat mental illnesses and other mental health problems so people can return to society as productive citizens.
The Aim Of Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
When a patient has a mental illness, he or she is unable to perform daily tasks or engage in employment. Hence, they do not feel stable, can't think in a normal way, and they are always depressed and down. So here comes inpatient mental illness care.
The main goal of this care is to isolate the patient from their normal environment or to place them in a new one. Thus, they can maintain mental stability and be aware of their internal processes.
The primary aims of inpatient mental health treatment are outlined below.
- Reducing erratic thinking and behavior
- Identify the cause of the ultimate disaster.
- Figuring out a solution to this problem
- Creating an environment of a social support network
- Improve current abilities and learn new ones to deal with social situations
When Admitting A Client To An Inpatient Mental Health Facility
When regular treatment fails to improve the condition, a client should be admitted to an inpatient mental health facility. In other words, it is when the patient cannot be treated by the other mental health therapist in the typical setting.
Additionally, a patient with a mental illness might need stabilization, which is hard to come by in society. Therefore, it is crucial to provide inpatient mental health care. However, it significantly accelerates the improvement of the patient's overall condition.
There are few known mental illness conditions for instance,
● Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): An event that is shocking, frightening, or dangerous can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in some people.
● Schizoaffective disorder: In schizophrenics, abnormal thinking processes are coupled with unstable moods. Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by the coexistence of symptoms of mood disorders with those of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.
● Major depression: The most common form of depression. And the major depression is characterized by a state in which one is completely depressed and loses interest in everything, even typically enjoyable activities.
● Schizophrenia: Typical symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (observing or hearing things that aren't there), peculiar physical behavior, and disordered thinking and speech.
● Bipolar disorder: Extreme mood swings brought on by mania or hypomania (bipolar disorder) as well as depressive episodes are caused by this illness.
Clients must be admitted for inpatient mental health treatment when any of these illnesses manifest deliberately. Due to these circumstances, the patient needs additional care, which is only possible while he is hospitalized.
Likewise, inpatient care is a procedure that is necessary because some patients may become extremely angry and suicidal.
Here are a few more reasons why a patient might need to be admitted for inpatient medical treatment.
- A patient may also pose a risk to others in addition to the danger to himself.
- Inpatient care is crucial because patients need the right medication and therapy at the right time.
- Some patients can outburst due to stress, fear, or anxiety. It is necessary to control them in such cases.
- The patient needs a new setting to relax or change their perspective.
When You Require Inpatient Mental Health Care, Who Do You Contact?
If you or a member of your family is afflicted with mental illness, mental health care may be required at any time. Where do you call if you need help?
The majority of countries have a mental health or Suicide & Crisis Lifeline where you can call and request assistance and prompt guidance for vulnerable cases.
- You should dial 911 to contact emergency medical services if there is a serious emergency that involves a life threat.
- Can call USA Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 988.
- If you want to chat, you will knock 988lifeline.org
- You can also reach your state's mental health service line through opencounseling if you reside in the USA.
Who Is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Facility Intended For?
For inpatient treatment, there are no restrictions on age or gender. Any person who has experienced a severe mental health episode is eligible for admission to this service, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
How Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Works
On the whole, a mental health hospital is not a fun place to be. And you won't have the time of your life there. However, if you have a mental illness, this is very effective and will help you recover well in the shortest amount of time.
How Will It Help You Recover?
Basically, a psychiatrist will prescribe you medication based on your problem and ensure that you take it on time. Apart from that, they ensure that you are not in contact with inconveniences that mentally harm you.
In addition to these, there will be crucial activities for mental health as well as some significant therapy sessions.
- There will be joint group therapy/therapy sessions with other patients
- Occupational therapy
- Recreation
- Psychoeducation
- A one-on-one individual therapy session will be held
- Some therapeutic exercises (yoga, art, writing, reporting)
● Group therapy or joint therapy sessions
This session is extremely beneficial to patients. This type of session is more like an educational session in which an individual learns about his or her own illnesses as well as the illnesses of others. Here, the psychiatrist openly discusses the problem so that everyone can understand it.
In addition to this, they teach you how to accept yourself and carry on with your life despite having problems of this nature.
● Occupational therapy
Patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities are treated by occupational therapists using everyday activities as therapeutic tools. These professionals assist the patients in developing the skills necessary to live and work normally.
● Recreation
In this method, recreational activities and leisure activities are used as interventions. Individuals with illnesses and disabilities can benefit from this therapy to determine their needs. In addition to improving the patient's mental health, it promotes recovery and well-being.
● Psychoeducation
Information is provided orally during therapy sessions. You will receive writing from them in the form of exercises, manuals, chapters from psychology tools, and homework assignments. This activity encourages patients to learn information on their own.
● A one-on-one individual therapy
One of the most important aspects of inpatient mental health treatment is this individual therapy session. Here, you can check your recovery status and receive feedback. A psychiatrist will talk about what's wrong with you, why you can't control yourself, and other issues.
Additionally, you get advice and suggestions tailored to your particular circumstance, including advice on what you should do.
● Therapeutic exercises
There will be lots of activities that are specifically related to therapy. You will develop both physical and mental strength through these activities. Thus, you'll have a lot of energy and be well-rested. Yoga, balance training, and strength training are examples of therapeutic exercises.
Other than this, you will also ask to participate in writing, art-related stuff, and reporting.
What Drawbacks Are Associated With Inpatient Mental Health Care?
Two or three decades ago, there were numerous issues related to inpatient mental illness. The reason for this was that some therapy at the time was ineffective and unnecessary. Mental health professionals occasionally gave their patients experimental exercises that they weren't supposed to do.
However, it is now well structured. The number of people seeking formal psychiatric treatment is much higher than it was previously. However, some downsides must be considered before admission.
● Incompatibility with the other patient
Sometimes the behavior of a patient can make other patients more exposed and under stress. A variety of mental health patients are admitted there, some of whom may be in extremely severe states. So, other patients may be harmed by this.
For example, as some patients are having a difficult time, they may yell or cry, which can distract other patients.
● The patient is unable to comply with hospital regulations
It can happen when a patient fails to follow hospital regulations. For instance, patients dislike taking medications on time or eating at the appropriate times. This is difficult to deal with.
And authorities may need to use high doses of medication to control them at times. Which is ultimately undesirable.
● Fail to determine the issue
Professionals are sometimes incapable of reading the main issue. As a result, the medication is sometimes interpreted incorrectly. This can worsen the situation.
FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions about admitting a client to a mental health facility. Hope you will gain a lot of insight from this.
Q: Is sending a teenager to an inpatient mental health facility a good idea?
First and foremost, if you are a parent and your child has a mental illness, don't hesitate to send him to inpatient care if the doctor advises it. Nowadays formal psychiatric treatments are well-furnished.
The healing process will therefore begin as soon as you send them. According to a survey, [1] [2] 19.7% of American teenagers receive inpatient care. So don't be afraid.
Q: What are the costs and accessibility of inpatient mental health care in America?
Honestly, compared to other countries, the USA has a much higher cost of inpatient mental health care. In any prestigious institution or hospital, you have to pay $20,000-$60,000 per month.
However, there are some excellent institutions with slightly lower costs. It will cost like$10,000 to $20,000 per month or $350 to $650 per day.
On the other hand, if this is covered by your insurance, you won't have to pay much. There won't be a significant issue with accessibility or availability. You should be able to find one in your state.
Overall, inpatient mental health care in America is a bit pricey, so you need to think carefully before choosing.
Q: If I am admitted to inpatient care, how long do I have to stay?
It entirely depends on your health. You could leave the hospital in a month or two if you recovered quickly. If the surroundings and environment don't suit you, you can always leave. However, it is necessary to maintain all paperwork in such cases.
Final Words
We assume now you are well aware when admitting a client to an inpatient mental health facility. Admitting oneself to inpatient mental health care is a big step. Besides, determining right is not easy. There are numerous requirements to meet in order to be admitted to formal psychiatric treatment.
However, once admitted, your chances of recovery will improve. If you've been suffering from a mental illness for a long time and it's not getting better, see a specialist. He'll tell you when it's time to admit.
Just keep in mind that delaying the process will worsen your overall mental condition.
source? reference?
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