What to Expect During Inpatient Mental Health Treatment

When considering inpatient mental health treatment, it’s essential to understand what awaits you on this journey. Entering an unfamiliar setting can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and insights, you can ease your anxieties. In this guide, we will delve deep into what you can anticipate during your stay, ensuring that you are fully prepared for this significant step toward healing and recovery.

With an increasing number of people seeking professional help for their mental health issues, inpatient treatment has gained prominence. But how does this treatment differ from outpatient treatment, and what can one expect? Let’s break it down.

Why Choose Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?

In today’s tumultuous world, our mental health can often take a backseat. But when challenges arise that are too overwhelming, it might be time to consider specialized care. Inpatient mental health treatment offers a sanctuary, providing short-term treatment and intensive care for mental health disorders that outpatient services might not offer.

With continuous monitoring and tailored treatment plans, inpatient services offer a structured environment conducive to healing. Being surrounded by trained professionals 24/7 ensures that you get the attention and mental health care you need during your most vulnerable moments.

The Inpatient Admissions Process

The admissions process for inpatient mental health treatment is designed to ensure that individuals receive appropriate care tailored to their specific needs in a safe environment. The process typically begins with a thorough assessment, often initiated by a referral from a mental health professional, primary care doctor, or through a hospital’s emergency department. Upon arrival at the mental health facility, the individual meets with a clinician for a psychiatric evaluation, which includes discussing current symptoms, past medical and psychiatric history, and any risks to self or others. Additionally, medical examinations may be conducted to rule out underlying medical conditions or to assess the individual’s overall health.

After this assessment, the clinical team determines the most suitable level of care. If inpatient treatment is deemed appropriate, the individual will be admitted to the facility where a comprehensive treatment plan will be developed. Family members or caregivers may also be consulted to provide a fuller picture of the individual’s circumstances and to ensure continuity of care upon discharge. Throughout this process, the aim is to facilitate a smooth transition into the therapeutic environment while ensuring the patient’s safety and well-being.

The Day-to-Day: What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Curious about how your days will be structured? Understanding the daily routine can bring comfort to those who thrive on predictability.

Morning Rituals and Therapies

Mornings typically start with a wholesome breakfast, preparing you for the day ahead. Post-breakfast, you’ll be engaged in individual therapy sessions. This is your opportunity to connect with a therapist, discuss your feelings, and track your progress.

Group therapies often follow, where you interact in a supportive environment with other patients. Sharing experiences can provide a unique perspective, highlighting that you aren’t alone in your journey. These sessions foster community, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

Afternoon Skill Workshops and Recreational Activities

After a nutritious lunch, afternoons are generally filled with skill-building workshops. These might include stress management, emotional regulation, or coping mechanism sessions. Additionally, there’s usually time allocated for recreational activities, offering a perfect blend of learning and relaxation.

Activities like art therapy, music sessions, or even light physical exercises can be integral parts of the schedule. These activities not only enhance well-being but also equip you with skills to handle stressors outside the facility.

Personal Time and Reflection

Late afternoons might offer some personal time. This is your chance to reflect on the day, journal your thoughts, or even indulge in a hobby. Many facilities also offer a serene environment, perfect for walks or meditation, facilitating introspection and self-awareness.

Evenings might include a group activity or a movie night, ensuring that relaxation and bonding continue to be a part of your routine. Finally, a good night’s sleep is essential, recharging you for another productive day.

Types of Therapies for Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient mental health treatment often employs a range of therapeutic modalities to best address the specific treatment goals of each patient. The objective is to provide comprehensive care that supports stabilization, symptom reduction, and the development of coping skills. Here are some of the primary types of therapies a mental health counselor may use in inpatient settings:

1. Individual Psychotherapy (or Talk Therapy): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s especially effective for depression, anxiety, and some other disorders. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Often used for borderline personality disorder, it emphasizes mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
2. Group Therapy: Patients discuss their issues in a group setting, facilitated by a therapist. It provides an opportunity for mutual support, understanding, and feedback.
3. Family Therapy: Addresses issues within the family system that might contribute to a person’s mental health condition. It can help families understand the disorder and how to support their loved one.
4. Activity and Expressive Therapies: Art Therapy: Uses art-making to help patients express and understand emotions. Music Therapy: Uses music to help patients express themselves and improve well-being. Movement or Dance Therapy: Uses movement to foster self-expression and emotional healing.
5. Recreational Therapy: Focuses on using recreational activities to promote mental and physical health.
6. Occupational Therapy: Helps patients develop, recover, or maintain the daily living skills they’ll need once discharged.
7. Psychoeducation: Involves teaching patients about their disorders, medication, coping strategies, and other relevant topics to empower them and improve understanding.
8. Medication Management: Psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners might prescribe medications to address chemical imbalances or specific symptoms. Regular meetings ensure the correct dosage, monitor side effects, and assess effectiveness.

Preparing for the Transition: Post-Treatment Strategies

While inpatient mental health treatment provides a structured environment, transitioning back to your regular life is a pivotal phase. During your treatment, professionals will work closely with you to develop post-treatment strategies. These can include follow-up sessions, joining support groups, or even continued therapies.

The key is to ensure that the progress you’ve made during your stay continues to flourish outside in everyday life. Preparing for this transition is crucial, and the right strategies can make this process smoother and more sustainable.

Here are some common post-treatment strategies:

1. Outpatient Therapy: Many individuals transition to outpatient therapy, which can include individual counseling, group therapy, or specialized therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. This continuation in an intensive outpatient program provides a consistent space to process emotions and challenges.
2. Medication Management: If medications were prescribed during inpatient treatment, regular appointments with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner are essential to monitor dosage, efficacy, and any potential side effects.
3. Day Programs or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): These are structured programs that provide therapeutic services for several hours a day, allowing the individual to return home in the evening. They can be seen as a middle ground between inpatient and outpatient care.
4. Support Groups: Local or online groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) support groups, can offer peer support and understanding.
5. Family Therapy: Continued family involvement can help maintain a supportive environment at home. This is especially important when family dynamics or communication issues contributed to the initial crisis.
6. Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and abstaining from alcohol or drugs can significantly influence mental well-being.
7. Residential or Sober Living Facilities: For some, transitioning to a more structured living environment that offers continued support and monitoring can be beneficial before returning to independent living.
8. Continuing Education: Workshops or classes on stress management, coping techniques, and other relevant topics can empower the individual to handle challenges more effectively.
9. Routine Check-ins: Scheduled follow-up appointments with the inpatient facility or a primary care doctor can ensure that the individual’s needs are continually addressed.
10. Crisis Intervention Plan: Individuals should have a plan in place, which includes emergency contact numbers and steps to take if they feel they are in a crisis, or their mental health is deteriorating.
11. Engaging in Meaningful Activities: Finding purpose through activities, hobbies, work, or volunteering can significantly enhance mental health and offer a sense of belonging.

Continuity of care is vital after inpatient treatment. Engaging in these post-treatment strategies can provide the ongoing support and structure required to prevent relapse, continue healing, and promote long-term well-being.

In conclusion, inpatient mental health treatment offers a structured and immersive therapeutic environment tailored for individuals grappling with a mental health crisis. When entering a comprehensive inpatient program, one can expect 24-hour care, a multidisciplinary team of professionals, and a blend of therapeutic modalities aimed at addressing the patient’s unique needs.

While the intensity and comprehensiveness of the inpatient care can be daunting, it’s designed to provide the highest level of support during critical times. The primary goal is always to stabilize the individual, equip them with coping strategies, and ensure a seamless transition to follow-up care upon discharge. The experience is geared towards fostering resilience, understanding, and ultimately, healing.

For more information about Diversus Health’s inpatient treatment program, call us today.