According to Mental Health America, nearly 20% of American adults experience a mental illness — equivalent to roughly 50 million people. Caring for your loved one during a mental health crisis can overwhelm you and them. You want them to receive the best care possible so they can begin feeling like themselves again.
So, what do you do? Speaking with their doctor can help you gain insight into their options. You may have many questions for the healthcare provider, especially if you’re in charge of their care. People typically associate inpatient care with the unknown and what they see on television and in movies. We’re here to tell you that’s not how inpatient care works. One of the questions you may have is how long their inpatient care will last. Keep reading to learn more about your loved one’s inpatient mental health care and what you can do to make it a better experience for them.
What Is Inpatient Mental Health Care?
If your loved one needs inpatient care, you’ll want to explore options to find the best for them. Inpatient mental health care means the person stays at the facility overnight for several days, weeks, or even months. In comparison, outpatient care means they can return home after their treatment program.
Inpatient can be a positive experience that helps people cope. This type of care covers three hospital settings: psychiatric, regional, and residential. These mental health facilities differ in the kind of care necessary for your loved one. Inpatient care means you will be with board-certified doctors and experienced staff who give you the best possible care. They can get one-on-one time with patients and help them with their crises in a safe environment. It also allows your loved one to detox if they suffer from substance abuse. Most of the time, people leave inpatient care with a better outlook on life and the ability to take care of themselves.
Is it Right for Your Loved One?
There are two types of mental health care in an inpatient setting: involuntary and voluntary. Involuntary mental health care means that you don’t enter of your own free will. These people must go because of court systems or family members in charge of their care. Mental health facilities have protections to ensure your loved one can’t harm themselves or leave before treatment ends.
Voluntary inpatient care happens when your loved one admits to inpatient mental health care. They willingly decide to go to a mental health hospital where they can be safe and learn coping mechanisms. Voluntary and involuntary care help your loved one learn ways to cope with their mental health concerns in a stress and trigger-free environment.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Inpatient Care
Two types of care could be suitable for your loved one. Short-term care is hospital-based and may range from a few days to a week or a month, depending on your needs. It occurs in a hospital setting where your loved one will have the structure and stress-free environment needed for recovery. Short-term care is a wonderful option for people who also suffer from substance abuse disorders. It gives them a safe place to detox while getting proper medical care from doctors specializing in mental health care.
Long-term care differs in that it is community-based. People in long-term care may socialize with others in the facility while getting the help they need, and they receive one-on-one care in a safe environment. Safety and reassurance for your loved one are essential aspects of their mental health care. In a long-term facility, people learn skills to cope with their mental health over an extended period, typically anywhere from 60 or 90 days to 12 or 18 months. Long-term care is necessary for some patients depending on their particular case.
How Long Will Their Care Last?
When talking about how long inpatient mental care will last, please understand that it depends on the individual and their needs. Some people can come into inpatient care and only need to be there for a few days, while others need extended care. Your loved one’s doctor will help to decide whether short-term or long-term care is the right option.
The time needed to help them heal can depend on their diagnosis. If you suspect your loved one requires inpatient care, speak with their doctor to find out if it’s the right option. If you are in charge of their care and suspect they are having severe problems, you can have them committed to ensuring their safety. If your loved one decides to go into inpatient care and is allowed visitors, be there for them to help guide them through the process. Sometimes a friendly face can make all the difference in short or long-term care. Long-term care may seem like an outrageous time to be away from your loved ones, but it will help them discover ways to cope, possibly saving their lives.
We Are Here to Help with Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
Contact our highly trained and professional staff at Highland Hospital to learn more about inpatient mental health care for your loved one. We accept most insurance, helping curb the costs. Verify your insurance now to learn what benefits you have with us. If drug and alcohol abuse is an issue along with mental health, our accredited facility is ready to help with all aspects of substance use and mental health.
