How to Admit Yourself to a Psychiatric Hospital

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen You Should GoBefore You’re AdmittedWhen You’re AdmittedYour Rights as a PatientAfter You’re DischargedContinuing Your RecoveryCrisis Plan of Action

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

When You Should Go

Before You’re Admitted

When You’re Admitted

Your Rights as a Patient

After You’re Discharged

Continuing Your Recovery

Crisis Plan of Action

Close

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you’re experiencingsevere depression symptoms, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or your current treatment just isn’t helping, you may consider checking yourself into a hospital. Although this can be a frightening thought, you may find it less intimidating if you know what to expect from the process.

This article discusses how to know when to admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital and what you can expect during your stay. It also covers your rights as a patient and how to manage the transition to outpatient care.

When You Should Go to a Hospital

How do you know when it is time to admit yourself to a mental health hospital? There are a few important signs that can indicate a need for inpatient treatment.

It’s time to seek admission to a psychiatric facility if a person has a sudden change in mental status, like suicidal ideation.—DR. WILLIAM ANIXTER, PSYCHIATRIST AT COOPERRIIS HEALING COMMUNITY.

It’s time to seek admission to a psychiatric facility if a person has a sudden change in mental status, like suicidal ideation.

—DR. WILLIAM ANIXTER, PSYCHIATRIST AT COOPERRIIS HEALING COMMUNITY.

You may choose to be hospitalized if you’re having symptoms that are putting you or others at risk, including:

“Other acute reasons might be if a person hears voices, especially voices that tell them to commit violence, or they need to detox from drugs or alcohol. The development of psychotic thinking that takes someone away from reality is a good indicator of the need for psychiatric hospitalization,” Dr. Anixter explains.

Hospitalization can also be helpful if you’re finding yourself too ill to eat, bathe, or sleep properly. In addition, your doctor may recommend hospitalization when you’re making significant changes in your treatment plan that require close supervision.

Hospitalization is appropriate any time you need a safe place to receive intensive treatment until your symptoms stabilize.

Because you’re probably feeling overwhelmed right now, you may want to ask a friend or family member to help you through the process of checking into the hospital and filling out paperwork.

If possible, you or they should call ahead of time to learn about the hospital’s rules and procedures and ask about what items you should bring with you. Information about visiting hours and telephone access will also be helpful.

What Hospital Rules to Expect

Even though you may have been hospitalized of your own free will, the hospital will set rules to ensure your safety, including:

What Treatments Are Offered at a Mental Hospital?

One of the first things that will happen is that apsychiatrist will evaluate youto determine an appropriate treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

Once admitted, the goal is to be evaluated, psychically and mentally, to have symptoms sorted out, i.e. is this episode a medical condition or not? The psychiatric evaluation involves taking a history, giving a likely diagnosis, and making decisions regarding treatment.—DR. WILLIAM ANIXTER, PSYCHIATRIST AT COOPERRIIS HEALING COMMUNITY

Once admitted, the goal is to be evaluated, psychically and mentally, to have symptoms sorted out, i.e. is this episode a medical condition or not? The psychiatric evaluation involves taking a history, giving a likely diagnosis, and making decisions regarding treatment.

—DR. WILLIAM ANIXTER, PSYCHIATRIST AT COOPERRIIS HEALING COMMUNITY

Dr. Anixter also explains that attending to an individual’s basic needs, including food, hygiene, and sleep, is essential. During this critical time, the admitted person can get the help they need in a safe and protected environment.

Yourtreatment planwill likely involve working with a variety of mental health professionals, including:

You will most likely participate inindividual, group, or family therapyduring your stay. In addition, you will probably receive one or more psychiatric medicines.If you are being treated for a substance use problem, an addiction professional will supervise the detoxification process.

Hospital staff will also take care of getting approval for your stay from your insurance provider. Your insurance company will periodically evaluate your progress during your stay to determine if you need additional time in the hospital.

Note that the criteria and rules surrounding voluntary hospitalization (when you check yourself in) differ greatly frominvoluntary hospitalization(when someone else checks you in). If you sign yourself into a hospital, you also have the right to sign yourself back out.

However, the exception to this rule is if the hospital staff believes you are a danger to yourself or others. If you are not a danger to anyone, the hospital must release you within two to seven days of your formal request, depending on thelaws in your particular state.

If you experience any problems getting the hospital to release you, you should contact your state’s protection and advocacy agency.

While you are at the hospital, you also have the right to:

Except for your insurance company, no one will be told about your hospitalization without your permission.

Links & ResourcesHIPAA Information(Department of Health and Human Services)HIPAA and Mental Health(Department of Health and Human Services)Position Statement on Voluntary and Involuntary Hospitalization of Adults with Mental Illness(American Psychiatric Association)Civil Commitment Laws By State(Treatment Advocacy Center)State Protection & Advocacy Systems(Administration for Community Living)

Links & Resources

HIPAA Information(Department of Health and Human Services)HIPAA and Mental Health(Department of Health and Human Services)Position Statement on Voluntary and Involuntary Hospitalization of Adults with Mental Illness(American Psychiatric Association)Civil Commitment Laws By State(Treatment Advocacy Center)State Protection & Advocacy Systems(Administration for Community Living)

When you’re discharged, knowing how to continue your treatment after you leave the hospital is essential. Be sure to consult with your healthcare providers regarding your discharge plan.

“Ideally, the patient has a treatment team before entering the hospital and can transition back to that team. Patients don’t always have treatment teams before hospitalization, so they will get a referral for a provider after discharge,” Anixter explains.

Transitioning back to a treatment team and sticking to follow-up appointments is important to help minimize the risk of relapse. Anixter notes that most medications take two to three weeks to begin working, while most hospital admissions last less than a week. Because of this, it is essential to schedule and attend follow-up appointments after you are discharged.

Psych Ward: What Happens If You Are Admitted?

If you feel comfortable and need the help, enlist the help of friends, family, or trusted loved ones to help you follow through with your plan.Their assistance can involve everything from taking you to appointments to providing a listening ear.You can also point them to tips onhow to help someone with depression.

According to the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the transition from inpatient to outpatient is critical for reducing suicide risk, and there are many steps your providers can take. Generally, it’s important to have inpatient and outpatient providers work together and enlist the support of friends and family.

Results from a 2021 Danish study suggest that a follow-up home visit after discharge could be vital in identifying and supporting people who may be at increased risk of suicide after hospitalization.

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Treatment for depression doesn’t end with hospitalization. Steps that you can take to ensure your continued recovery include:

Not having the structure and routine that the hospital provides can be nerve-racking. Establishing a regular routine, such as going to bed, waking up, and exercising at certain times, could be beneficial.

Find Out If Online Therapy Is Right for You

Because depression tends to be achronic illness, it’s wise to have a plan and compile necessary information in one place should you ever need to be hospitalized again. This information should include the following:

You may also have an advance directive and medical power of attorney prepared for you if you wish to give a trusted person the authority to act on your behalf in making medical decisions.This step will ensure that your will is carried out should you become too ill to make your own decisions.

What Are Your Rights When You’re Depressed?

Summary

Checking yourself into the hospital for depression can be difficult, but it is important to recognize when admission may be helpful or necessary. Common reasons to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital include experiencing psychosis, mania, substance misuse, or suicidal thoughts/behaviors.

Once discharged, it is important to work with a follow-up team and stick to your medication and treatment plan. When you need them, be sure to enlist the help of friends and family.

14 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lucca JM, Vamsi A, Kurian SJ, Ebi S.A prospective observational study on psychotropic drug use in non psychiatric wards.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):503-507. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_28_18Strand M, Von Hausswolff-Juhlin Y.Patient-controlled hospital admission in psychiatry: A systematic review.Nord J Psychiatry.2015;69(8):574-86. doi:10.3109/08039488.2015.1025835Garakani A, Shalenberg E, Burstin SC, Weintraub Brendel R, Appel JM.Voluntary psychiatric hospitalization and patient-driven requests for discharge: A statutory review and analysis of implications for the capacity to consent to voluntary hospitalization.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2014;22(4):241-9. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000044American Psychological Association.Protecting your privacy: Understanding confidentiality.MedlinePlus.Leaving the hospital - your discharge plan.Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Helping someone living with depression or bipolar.Mental Health America.For family and friends.Olfson M, Wall M, Wang S, et al.Short-term suicide risk after psychiatric hospital discharge.JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73(11):1119. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2035National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.Best Practices in Care Transitions for Individuals with Suicide Risk: Inpatient to Outpatient Care.Madsen T, Egilsdottir E, Damgaard C, Erlangsen A, Nordentoft M.Assessment of suicide risks during the first week immediately after discharge from psychiatric inpatient facility.Front Psychiatry. 2021;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643303Dixon LB, Holoshitz Y, Nossel I.Treatment engagement of individuals experiencing mental illness: Review and update.World Psychiatry.2016;15(1):13-20. doi:10.1002/wps.20306Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Wellness after hospitalization.Zelle H, Kemp K, Bonnie RJ.Advance directives in mental health care: evidence, challenges and promise.World Psychiatry. 2015;14(3):278-280. doi:10.1002/wps.20268National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Additional ReadingDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).Understanding Hospitalization for Mental Health.

14 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lucca JM, Vamsi A, Kurian SJ, Ebi S.A prospective observational study on psychotropic drug use in non psychiatric wards.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):503-507. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_28_18Strand M, Von Hausswolff-Juhlin Y.Patient-controlled hospital admission in psychiatry: A systematic review.Nord J Psychiatry.2015;69(8):574-86. doi:10.3109/08039488.2015.1025835Garakani A, Shalenberg E, Burstin SC, Weintraub Brendel R, Appel JM.Voluntary psychiatric hospitalization and patient-driven requests for discharge: A statutory review and analysis of implications for the capacity to consent to voluntary hospitalization.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2014;22(4):241-9. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000044American Psychological Association.Protecting your privacy: Understanding confidentiality.MedlinePlus.Leaving the hospital - your discharge plan.Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Helping someone living with depression or bipolar.Mental Health America.For family and friends.Olfson M, Wall M, Wang S, et al.Short-term suicide risk after psychiatric hospital discharge.JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73(11):1119. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2035National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.Best Practices in Care Transitions for Individuals with Suicide Risk: Inpatient to Outpatient Care.Madsen T, Egilsdottir E, Damgaard C, Erlangsen A, Nordentoft M.Assessment of suicide risks during the first week immediately after discharge from psychiatric inpatient facility.Front Psychiatry. 2021;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643303Dixon LB, Holoshitz Y, Nossel I.Treatment engagement of individuals experiencing mental illness: Review and update.World Psychiatry.2016;15(1):13-20. doi:10.1002/wps.20306Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Wellness after hospitalization.Zelle H, Kemp K, Bonnie RJ.Advance directives in mental health care: evidence, challenges and promise.World Psychiatry. 2015;14(3):278-280. doi:10.1002/wps.20268National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Additional ReadingDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).Understanding Hospitalization for Mental Health.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Lucca JM, Vamsi A, Kurian SJ, Ebi S.A prospective observational study on psychotropic drug use in non psychiatric wards.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):503-507. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_28_18Strand M, Von Hausswolff-Juhlin Y.Patient-controlled hospital admission in psychiatry: A systematic review.Nord J Psychiatry.2015;69(8):574-86. doi:10.3109/08039488.2015.1025835Garakani A, Shalenberg E, Burstin SC, Weintraub Brendel R, Appel JM.Voluntary psychiatric hospitalization and patient-driven requests for discharge: A statutory review and analysis of implications for the capacity to consent to voluntary hospitalization.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2014;22(4):241-9. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000044American Psychological Association.Protecting your privacy: Understanding confidentiality.MedlinePlus.Leaving the hospital - your discharge plan.Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Helping someone living with depression or bipolar.Mental Health America.For family and friends.Olfson M, Wall M, Wang S, et al.Short-term suicide risk after psychiatric hospital discharge.JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73(11):1119. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2035National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.Best Practices in Care Transitions for Individuals with Suicide Risk: Inpatient to Outpatient Care.Madsen T, Egilsdottir E, Damgaard C, Erlangsen A, Nordentoft M.Assessment of suicide risks during the first week immediately after discharge from psychiatric inpatient facility.Front Psychiatry. 2021;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643303Dixon LB, Holoshitz Y, Nossel I.Treatment engagement of individuals experiencing mental illness: Review and update.World Psychiatry.2016;15(1):13-20. doi:10.1002/wps.20306Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Wellness after hospitalization.Zelle H, Kemp K, Bonnie RJ.Advance directives in mental health care: evidence, challenges and promise.World Psychiatry. 2015;14(3):278-280. doi:10.1002/wps.20268National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

Lucca JM, Vamsi A, Kurian SJ, Ebi S.A prospective observational study on psychotropic drug use in non psychiatric wards.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):503-507. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_28_18

Strand M, Von Hausswolff-Juhlin Y.Patient-controlled hospital admission in psychiatry: A systematic review.Nord J Psychiatry.2015;69(8):574-86. doi:10.3109/08039488.2015.1025835

Garakani A, Shalenberg E, Burstin SC, Weintraub Brendel R, Appel JM.Voluntary psychiatric hospitalization and patient-driven requests for discharge: A statutory review and analysis of implications for the capacity to consent to voluntary hospitalization.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2014;22(4):241-9. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000044

American Psychological Association.Protecting your privacy: Understanding confidentiality.

MedlinePlus.Leaving the hospital - your discharge plan.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Helping someone living with depression or bipolar.

Mental Health America.For family and friends.

Olfson M, Wall M, Wang S, et al.Short-term suicide risk after psychiatric hospital discharge.JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73(11):1119. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2035

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.Best Practices in Care Transitions for Individuals with Suicide Risk: Inpatient to Outpatient Care.

Madsen T, Egilsdottir E, Damgaard C, Erlangsen A, Nordentoft M.Assessment of suicide risks during the first week immediately after discharge from psychiatric inpatient facility.Front Psychiatry. 2021;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643303

Dixon LB, Holoshitz Y, Nossel I.Treatment engagement of individuals experiencing mental illness: Review and update.World Psychiatry.2016;15(1):13-20. doi:10.1002/wps.20306

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Wellness after hospitalization.

Zelle H, Kemp K, Bonnie RJ.Advance directives in mental health care: evidence, challenges and promise.World Psychiatry. 2015;14(3):278-280. doi:10.1002/wps.20268

National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).Understanding Hospitalization for Mental Health.

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