Millions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition that impacts daily functioning. Living with an untreated mental health issue can harm a person’s psychological and physical health. It can increase the risk of relationship problems, substance abuse, and other issues.
Most mental health disorders respond to treatment. People may work with their primary care physician or a mental health professional to develop an effective treatment plan.
However, outpatient care is not sufficient in some cases. People may experience mental health symptoms that require immediate, intensive treatment. Inpatient mental health treatment programs can provide this level of care.
This article will explore how to recognize the need for inpatient mental health treatment. You will learn:
- What happens in inpatient mental health treatment programs
- How to recognize warning signs that indicate inpatient treatment is necessary
- The benefits of inpatient treatment
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment programs
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or a crisis line right away. Reach out to the Agape Behavioral Health intake team to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What Happens in Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Anyone can experience a mental health crisis that requires inpatient care, even those without a history of mental health problems. People may require inpatient treatment if mental health symptoms impair functioning or threaten their own safety or the safety of others.
Inpatient treatment may be necessary if a person’s symptoms become unmanageable with outpatient therapies. Inpatient treatment programs provide care for those who are experiencing new or worsening mental health symptoms.
Inpatient programs provide round-the-clock supervision and treatment for people experiencing a mental health episode. Treatment may include:
- Assessments
- Medication management
- Medical treatment
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Education and counseling for family members
- Holistic therapies like yoga, nutrition support, creative therapies, and mindfulness
- Aftercare planning
Each person has unique needs throughout treatment. Mental health and medical professionals will assess people for mental illness, substance use disorder (SUD), and medical conditions and create tailored treatment plans to meet these needs.
Signs You Need Mental Health Treatment
Inpatient programs are generally the best option for people who require intensive, continuous support to manage a mental health crisis. Here are some signs you or a loved one may require inpatient mental health support.
Severe anxiety or depression
New or worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression may require inpatient care. Inpatient programs provide supervision and support to stabilize people and teach them the skills they’ll need to manage these conditions for life.
Self-Harm
Self-harm of any kind is a warning sign of a serious mental health condition. People who engage in self-harm may require the intensive supervision and treatment of an inpatient program.
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Severe depression and other conditions may lead to thoughts of death or suicide. If you or a loved one have thoughts of suicide, seek inpatient treatment right away.
Mania
Mania is a symptom of bipolar disorder. Many people with mania require intensive, inpatient treatment to stabilize.
Psychosis
Psychosis may include odd thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and other symptoms. Significant changes in a person’s thoughts and behaviors could indicate a severe mental health condition requiring inpatient treatment.
New or worsening symptoms
People experiencing new mental health symptoms or symptoms that are getting worse require intervention. In some cases, people with new or worsening mental health symptoms may need inpatient treatment to stabilize.
If you or someone you love is experiencing changes in their mental health, don’t wait to get help. Call 911 or a mental health crisis line if you or a loved one are experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms, including psychosis, mania, or suicidal thoughts.
Contact the intake specialists at Agape Behavioral Health to explore our mental health treatment programs in Florida or to schedule an intake appointment.
Benefits of Inpatient Mental Health Services
Inpatient treatment programs offer intensive treatment and round-the-clock supervision for those with significant mental health needs. Here are some of the most important benefits of inpatient mental health programs.
Supervision
People receive continuous supervision in an inpatient program. This ensures each person’s safety as they navigate new or worsening mental health challenges.
Structure
The intensive structure of inpatient care helps people stay on track as they navigate a mental health crisis. People eat, sleep, engage in therapies, see the doctor, and socialize on a schedule, allowing people to have predictability and continuity of care.
Intensive treatment
People in an inpatient program receive comprehensive, intensive treatment that includes medical care, behavioral therapies, support groups, holistic therapies, and more.
Treatment occurs in a safe, secure environment that supports holistic healing. People have time to focus on their mental health recovery without the distractions of daily life.
Managing a mental health crisis can be challenging. Having the correct level of treatment and support is critical. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to determine if inpatient mental health treatment is right for you.
Find Mental Health Care Now
If you or a loved one are experiencing new or worsening mental health symptoms, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health intake team to learn about our mental health treatment programs. Get answers to your questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an appointment by reaching out today.
