Commonly Asked Questions About Inpatient Treatment from a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist can offer you different options when it comes to treatment for one or more mental health conditions. These options usually involve outpatient treatment, but if your condition is severe, inpatient treatment may be a better option. If you are thinking about inpatient treatment or your psychiatric doctor has recommended it, you probably have many questions about it.

4 frequent questions regarding inpatient treatment

Here are some common questions that patients and their families have about inpatient treatment.

1. When might you need inpatient treatment from a psychiatrist?

Inpatient treatment may be the only option when you are in the midst of a mental health crisis. A break from reality or ideation of harming yourself or others are examples of mental health crises that require an emergency response. You will probably undergo a short-term hospitalization and undergo further evaluation once you have stabilized.

Another situation in which you might require inpatient treatment is if you have tried different methods of outpatient treatment from your psychiatrist without making any improvement. This is usually not an emergency situation. Rather, it is something that you plan in advance with your psychiatric physician and possibly your family.

2. How is a residential treatment center different from a hospital?

A psychiatric hospital and a residential treatment center are both examples of inpatient treatment options. The latter typically takes place in a facility that includes home-like dormitories. Your stay in a residential treatment center may be long term, lasting months or even years, while psychiatric hospital stays are usually short term, lasting only days or weeks until your condition stabilizes.

If you have undergone hospitalization for a mental health crisis, you may still require inpatient treatment once the crisis has been resolved. In this scenario, your psychiatrist may refer you to a residential treatment center. Some of these facilities require a referral, but not all of them do, and you could decide to check into this kind of facility on your own.

3. What are some specific examples of mental health conditions that may require inpatient treatment?

Theoretically, any type of mental health condition that is severe enough to disrupt your life could require inpatient psychiatric treatment. Possible examples include the following:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorder
• Schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorders

Another condition that frequently requires inpatient treatment is substance use disorder. This sometimes occurs along with another mental health condition, in which inpatient treatment may be recommended for a dual diagnosis. If pursuing this option on your own, it is a good idea to find out if the facility you are considering treats your particular condition(s).

4. What are possible hurdles to inpatient treatment?

It can be difficult to recognize and accept that you need inpatient treatment, even with the help of a psychiatrist. It can also be challenging to step away from work, family, and other obligations. Finances could be a barrier.

Insurance may cover at least some of the costs of treatment, and the support of your psychiatrist and family can help to make the decision easier. Admission staff at the facility itself can also help ease the transition.