Seeking inpatient mental health treatment can be an overwhelming process. You may be asking, “Do I need inpatient treatment?” or even “Is inpatient treatment the right choice for me?”
These are valid questions, especially when you are struggling and may feel like you can’t stay afloat.
Clarity and information are our biggest allies in making informed mental health decisions. To that end, we’ve compiled 7 tell-tale signs that inpatient treatment may be the right choice for you.
Whether you’re a family member of someone struggling or someone considering treatment for yourself, this article is for you.
What is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment, sometimes known as residential treatment, is a common form of mental health care that involves patients living in a treatment facility during the duration of their treatment program.
During this time, patients have access to 24-hour medical and emotional support, structured daily routines and a wide variety of therapeutic options.
Inpatient treatment is designed to provide a compassionate and supportive environment for recovery. It’s particularly beneficial for those struggling with severe mental health issues or those struggling to maintain their daily responsibilities.
How Does It Differ From Outpatient Care?
Unlike outpatient care, inpatient treatment requires a full-time commitment. Patients stay at the facility round-the-clock, away from potential triggers and stressors in their daily life.
The Benefits of Inpatient Care
Inpatient care offers several benefits that can significantly aid recovery.
These include:
- A structured environment that promotes healthy routines
- 24-hour access to medical and emotional support
- A space away from triggers and stressors
- Access to multidisciplinary care
Is Inpatient Treatment the Right Choice For Me?
It depends. Below, we’ve compiled 7 signs that inpatient treatment may be a good choice for your mental health needs. Answering ‘yes’ to even one of these questions can indicate that inpatient treatment may be a good fit.
With that in mind, however, inpatient treatment is not always a viable or ideal option for everyone. It is important to speak with a medical professional or take a comprehensive mental health assessment to determine what level of care is appropriate for your needs.
Sign #1: Unsuccessful self-management
The first sign that inpatient treatment may be the right choice is if you or your loved one has tried to manage their mental health on their own but without success.
This could mean repeated attempts to manage symptoms of a mental health disorder, but these attempts have not led to lasting change. In such cases, the structured environment and professional support of an inpatient program can provide the necessary help.
Sign #2: Mental health crises
The second sign is the presence of severe mental health crises. If a person’s mental health disorder is leading to severe crises, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors or extreme mood swings, inpatient treatment can provide immediate, round-the-clock support. This level of care can be vital in managing these symptoms and ensuring safety.
Sign #3: Presence of co-occurring disorders
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. If you or your loved one is dealing with multiple disorders simultaneously, inpatient treatment can be particularly beneficial.
Inpatient programs are equipped to address the complexities of co-occurring disorders. They offer integrated treatment plans that tackle both issues at the same time, increasing the odds of successful recovery. This comprehensive approach is often more effective than trying to manage each disorder separately.
Sign #4: Non-supportive home environment
A supportive home environment is an important component for recovery. However, not everyone has access to such an environment. If your home situation is filled with triggers or lacks the necessary support for recovery, inpatient treatment can be a lifeline.
Inpatient programs provide a compassionate, structured environment away from potential triggers. They also offer a supportive community of professionals and peers who understand the challenges of recovery. This can make a significant difference in the recovery journey, especially in the early stages.
Sign #5: Ineffectiveness of outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment can be effective for many people. However, just as inpatient treatment isn’t the right choice for everyone, so is the case for outpatient treatment. If outpatient care hasn’t led to significant improvement, it may be time to consider inpatient treatment.
Inpatient programs offer a higher level of care and support, which can be beneficial for those who haven’t responded well to outpatient treatment. They provide a more intensive and immersive experience that can help patients make substantial progress in their recovery journey.
Sign #6: Impaired daily functioning
When mental health issues start to interfere with daily life, it’s a clear sign that more intensive help may be needed. This could manifest as difficulties in maintaining a job, attending school or managing household tasks.
Inpatient treatment provides a structured environment where patients can focus solely on recovery. This allows them to step away from daily stressors and responsibilities, and concentrate on developing the skills and strategies needed to manage their condition effectively.
Sign #7: Risk to Self or Others
If a person’s mental health poses a risk to themselves or others, inpatient treatment is often an most effective option. This could include suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors or violent tendencies linked to their condition.
Inpatient programs offer 24-hour supervision and immediate access to medical and mental health professionals. Patients in crisis receive the urgent care they need while also protecting their safety and the safety of those around them.
Choosing an Inpatient Program
Once you’ve identified the need for inpatient treatment, the next step is to choose a program. This decision should be based on a variety of factors, including your specific needs, the program’s quality and accreditation and the length and specialization of the program.
Here are some key points to consider:
- The program’s accreditation and the credentials of its staff
- The length of the program and its alignment with the person’s needs
- The availability of specialized programs for different populations (e.g., adolescents, veterans)
Take the Next Steps Toward Recovery
Recognizing the need for inpatient treatment is one of the steps towards recovery. Now what?
Clarion Psychiatric Center has been providing inpatient treatment to children, adolescents and adults struggling with mental health and substance use for over 35 years. Located on 14 acres in Western Pennsylvania, our serene facility provides a welcoming and supportive therapeutic environment.
To learn more about our treatment programs, fill out our contact us form or give us a call at 833-366-4906 for a no-cost, confidential assessment.
Remember, seeking mental health treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or get to the nearest emergency room.
For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.