I have been considering Inpatient care for awhile now, and was wondering, where do I go for this? I've looked it up plenty of times on the net, but have yet to find any websites or resources. Any ideas?

Well there are different options. Many people go to the inpatient psychiatric wards of regular hospitals. Most hospitals have a psych unit. People are admitted through the hospital emergency room. Hospitals admit patients that are a danger to themselves and others. The idea is to hospitalize them and keep them safe while addressing the specific crisis event leading to the hospital. Insurance companies push patients out as soon as they can. If your psychiatrist has priveleges at the hospital then you may be directly admitted.

Of course, there are also psychiatric hospitals. These are more expensive and it isn't always easy to convince insurance to pay. What is your diagnosis? Why have you been considering inpatient care and is it possible that your needs could be met in an intensive outpatient program at a hospital? I am just wondering about those things because I might be more helpful if you felt comfortable disclosing more.

Katie

Inpatient care is a pretty serious move. Are you in danger of harming yourself or others? That is usually one of the first questions they ask on admission. If you are, go to the nearest ER for help. They will or can determine if an inpatient stay is necessary. Also, talk to your t or pdoc about wanting an inpatient stay. It may be deemed that an intensive out patient program may be better for you.

Not all inpatient programs are the same. Some just give you medication and when they deem you to be stabilized, you are discharged. Others use a combination of meds and group therapy. In the latter case, you would need to seek out a more comprehensive paych hospital nearby or even the psych ward at the hospital in your town. Most insurances will only cover a limited stay or restrict you to a lifetime inpatient benefit of 30-180 days. You will need to check your insurance for what they cover. Some policies do not cover any inpatient mental health stays ao be prepared for large out-of-pocket expenses. The hospital I was in charges about $1400 per day, but it was very intensive with the group therapy, one-on-one therapy and medication manqgement.

Good luck on your search and please talk to your professionals for assessment.
Sheepwoman

I've actually just talked to my doctor, and she suggested a consultation with a Psychiatrist at an Inpatient/Outpatient hospital. They will decide weither I need to go inpatient, but I will definently be outpatient, she says. It's a very nice place, so my mom is looking into it.

What do you mean 'in danger of harming myself'? Do you mean suicide or like SI? Because I do SI, but I don't see it as something THAT serious.

The only reason I really wanted to look into Inpatient/Outpatient is because I feel very unstable, and my meds and therapy aren't going too well. I don't think my therapist's approach is really helping, and I think I would like to really know what is going on with me. My mom would also like a diagnosis, especially because she is worried I have bipolar, seeing as it runs in the family and I have all the same symptoms as my dad does.

Thanks for the replies guys,

Ashley ;)

The danger in harming yourself usually doesn't include SI, because SI doesn't necessarily indicate wanting to kill yourself. SI may be for many different reasons. However, if your injuries are seriouus and threaten your life then you may be admitted.

I think that you could work on achieving stability in an outpatient program. The hospital is really a short term crisis thing. There are no concerns about suicidality so you don't need to be as closely monitored or restricted in your behavior. I don't think that the environment would be therapeutic since most of the other patients would be acutely ill. You can be more independent and still work on finding more effective treatments for your issues. Having a second opinion and being observed in groups may yield a diagnosis. A diagnosis might help you find better meds and figure out how therapy could be helpful.

Katie