Behavioral Health and Psychiatry – FAQ

What can I bring when I’m admitted to an inpatient program?

You are encouraged to bring these items to the hospital:

• Several changes of comfortable clothes
• Shoes or slippers
• Pajamas
• Toiletries in plastic containers
• List of current medications

What am I NOT allowed to bring when I’m admitted to an inpatient program?

You should not bring:

• Valuables such as jewelry or money
• Electronic equipment with cords
• Cell phones, cameras, computers, musical instruments, or stuffed toys

What can I expect during the admission process?

• Upon arrival you will be given forms to complete.
• You will then sit down with one of our clinical staff members and complete the structured clinical interview/assessment.
• Following the clinical interview/assessment, the clinical staff will review the information with a psychiatrist. Upon review of the information, a determination is made for the best and least restrictive level of treatment.
• Once a decision is made, the recommendation is discussed with you and a referral to that level of care is made.
• Depending of the level of care to which you are directed, additional paperwork/consents may be needed.

What does “commitment” mean?

Being “committed” means that you were involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility for treatment because your condition is making you a danger to yourself or others. Committed patients may not leave the facility until a probate court judge, treatment team and the doctor determine that you are safe and ready for discharge.

Why and how would I be committed?

A person is committed to a psychiatric facility if they are found to be a danger to themselves or others. Or, it might mean that your judgment or understanding of a situation is so impaired that you aren’t able to make safe decisions. A medical doctor and mental health professional will examine you to determine if you need to be hospitalized. If they decide hospitalization is best for you, commitment papers will be signed by the medical doctor.

If I am committed, how long will I be in the hospital and who decides when I will be released?

The average hospital stay is 5–7 days or longer depending on your need for treatment. The court will appoint two people from the psychiatric facility to serve as your Designated Examiners (DEs) while you are in the hospital. One will be a doctor and the other a trained medical health professional. The DEs will examine you during your stay to determine if you’re ready to leave the facility or if it best that you remain on committed status. If both DEs recommend continued hospitalization, a Probate Court judge will issue an order for you to stay in the facility until a hearing, which will be within 15 days.

Do I have to pay for my hospital stay if I am committed?

Yes, patients are responsible for paying their hospital bill even if they were committed to the hospital.