Where do I start the best mental assistance for someone else?

Question

I want to help someone get an assessment before he changes his mind. He cannot be an inpatient at the hospital, so that option is out. I do not agree with the idea of a medical doctor. Do I have him call a psychiatrist, psychologist, or the hospital and ask them if they have anything or can make referrals that will work around his schedule? Or will any of these do? Should I make the calls or let him take charge of his life and his dilemma and just guide him and make suggestions?
How long does a day patient usually stay for?

Answer 1

It would depend on his mental state on whether or not you should make the calls or he should. If he is willing and capable and is not a harm to himself or anyone else then OK but it obviously has got to a point that it must be pretty serious for you to turn to others such as here for advise so I would recommend that you call as long as he is in agreement with what you are doing. A Psychiatrist would be best since they will be the only one that can prescribe medication but some do not give therapy due to Insurance so he may need a Therapist too just depending on the Psychiatrist you go to. A day program can have different hours but is normally for the severely mentally ill and the hours are typically from anywhere between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If he needs serious mental assistance inpatient is definitely the way to go and if finances are the problem they will work a payment plan out. I hope you are able to help him and he gets the help he needs. You are a very dear friend for helping him out in such a stressful time of his life. Good luck to you both~

Answer 2

You said all I needed to hear in the first sentence. If he's undecided, or not firm enough in this decision that you think he'll back out before an assessment can be made, then treatment is going to be pretty much a fantasy.

As a friend you've done what you can do for now. It's up to him now to get the evaluation, and once he does that, he'll need you again to listen to him and support him.

A day patient usually stays in the day program from around 8 am to 3 pm, or 9 am to 4 pm, or whatever the hours of the day program are. It's not likely they will put him in a day program unless he's unable to complete simple daily tasks.

More likely is he'll spend 2 hours doing an intake evaluation with a psychologist, and possibly 45 mins to an hour each session. Which can be anything from once a month to once or twice a week.

Answer 3

When a patient is suicidal, or in immediate danger to himself or others, the Dr. can order a "72hr hold" as an inpatient in the psych ward of the hospital. Insurance companies and hospitals are unlikely to admit him if he does not meet this criteria.

Most "behavioral health" and "mental health" issues are handled on an outpatient basis, meeting with a Counselor, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist every week or two for a period of weeks to months. How often, and how long the visits continue depends on the person's condition, and their ability to function in everyday life, or in relationships.

Most people make their own appointments. However, if a person is seriously depressed or distressed, they may need for a friend or relative to make the initial appointments for them, help them dress and find their shoes, drive them to the appointment, and even hold their hand through the appointment. It can be a genuine lifesaving effort on your part to be willing to do this for the person.

If you truly need help finding an appropriate mental health professional, do call your local hospital or Community Mental Health clinic. They will ask you questions as to the person's symptoms, and will likely give you a list of recommended professionals to contact.

Answer 4

Depends on patients mental state !! Is he a danger to himself or others etc. There r many factors to consider. Ge''em some help and if you feel up to it, moral support can help someone in distress out quite a bit !!