Do I or my loved one need inpatient psychiatric care?
Mental health conditions can be complex and challenging to manage, and it’s not always clear when it’s necessary to seek inpatient psychiatric care. In this article, we will explore the signs that suggest inpatient care may be necessary, as well as alternative options for individuals seeking help with their mental health.
Lonestar Behavioral Health Inpatient Hospital 16303 Grant Rd. Tomball, Tx 77429
Inpatient mental health centers are places where one can find safety and resources to stabilize one who is experiencing the extreme side effects of certain mental health conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and some debilitating forms of depression and anxiety. As such, the need for inpatient psychiatric care can often be characterized by the following experiences outlined by The University of Utah:
- You pose a danger to yourself or others.
- You’re having suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
- You’re not taking care of yourself.
- You’re experiencing psychotic episodes.
If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be necessary to seek inpatient care. Additionally, if they have previously attempted suicide or have a history of self-harm, it’s important to consider the potential benefits of inpatient care.
How do I begin the process of being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital?
If you believe that inpatient psychiatric care is necessary, oftentimes your best option is to call the facility which you observe to be best suited for your needs. Traditionally, inpatient hospitals will have a 24/hr phone number.
For example, if you are located in Texas near Cypress, Spring or Tomball, here at Lonestar Behavioral Health, you would call us at 281-516-6200.When you call, a preliminary intake is done over the phone. You will be asked for demographics, insurance information, presenting symptoms, and medications.
Here you will find a video outlining what you could expect once you are admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
What other options are there besides inpatient services?
If inpatient care is not necessary, there are several alternative options that may be helpful in managing mental health conditions.
Outpatient mental health treatment
Outpatient mental health treatment includes a range of services, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management. Outpatient treatment can be effective for a variety of mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Outpatient treatment can be provided in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, private practices, and hospital-based programs. The frequency and duration of treatment depend on the individual’s needs and the severity of the condition.
It’s important to note that outpatient treatment may not be appropriate for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms or who are at risk of harming themselves or others.
If you have further questions about outpatient treatment, you may visit our webpage below where we outline what your experience at our Tomball, Texas outpatient facility would be like or call us at (281) 351-6644.
Crisis hotlines
Crisis hotlines are available 24/7 and provide immediate support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or those who are seeking help for another who may be having this experience. These hotlines can be accessed via phone, text, or chat and are staffed by trained professionals who can provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local resources.
These services are offered both for those individuals who are struggling and the loved ones of these individuals.
National Institute of Mental Health Crisis Hotline Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Use Lifeline Chat on the web (English only)
The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Use Veterans Crisis Chat on the web
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans and those who support them, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990
The disaster distress helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are worried about a friend’s social media updates, you can contact safety teams at the social media company. They will reach out to connect the person with the help they need.
View the 5 action steps for helping someone in emotional pain infographic to see how you can help those in distress.
Brief Harvard Mental Health Screening
If you are still unsure about the needs of you or a loved one, Harvard University created a quick and useful exam one might take to understand their current state in regards to mental health.
In their words, “Behavioral health – which includes mental health, substance use, and more – is a key part of your overall well-being. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. Think of these as a checkup from your neck up. This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources.”
Visit Harvard’s online portal and take the screening now
It’s important to remember that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of strength, not weakness. While these may not be all the options, there are resources and support available, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, do not hesitate to reach out for help at (281) 516-6200