Questions about mental institutions?

Question

1) Is it possible for minors to check themselves into one?

2) Can you choose which institution, even in a different state?

3) What are the pros and cons of going to one?

Also, I'm not sure if I got the definition correct.. A mental institution is where they take suicidal people or those who self harm, yes? Or is that rehab?

Answer 1

1) No.

2) Yes.

3) Pros: receiving treatment, getting your life back, being safe
Cons: cost can be prohibitive for some families

You're thinking of a psychiatric facility (not "rehab").

Answer 2

1. Not that I know of. Do you mean without the parents or guardians knowing about it? I think the parents have to actually sign them in not the minor.

2. Depends on your insurance. If you have Private insurance, you can be more choosy, but in order for them to pay, you'd have to go to one in their network. If you're on the state's plan (medicaid, medicare), you pretty much have to go to the state's facility (which is AWFUL!!). Sometimes, with private insurance, you can go to any facility, but you may have to pay more out of pocket.

3. Pros definitely is that you will get some treatment and get to talk to other people who know what you're going through and also, if you're suicidal, then you can get help to not follow through with your plan since if you succeed, then there is no tomorrow and no second chance to get help. Cons are that there is still a big stigma attached to mental illness and that could follow you, but with HIPPA, you should be protected from people finding out that you've ever been in a mental institution. Another con, if you're committed against your will, then you can only leave when the doctor says so or in some cases, the courts. Whereas, if you check yourself in, most times, you can check yourself out at anytime.


Yes, your definition is correct. Rehab is for addicts like drug or alcohol.

Answer 3

1. I think it depends on the state. Each state has different laws about minors. Where I work, parents have to sign consents for treatment and medications to be given if the child is under 18.

2. I'm not sure. Psych facilities are expensive (approximately $1,000 a day, give or take), so it would depend on if you have insurance coverage and where insurance would cover you to go. Insurance might cover you to go to one facility, but not a different one. Just depends on the type of insurance plan.

3. Pros - getting help, intensive treatment, can refer you to treatment on an outpatient basis once you're discharged, getting started on meds/changing meds, etc
Cons - Expensive without insurance

You're right on the definitions. A mental institution is where people who hurt themselves or are suicidal can go for help. They're usually called psychiatric facilities though. Rehab is for drugs and alcohol.

Answer 4

Minors will need a guardian to approve for them to be admitted, unless a doctor feels that you are a danger to yourself or others, then you will be admitted through a court order. However, each state is different.

Usually, you are not able to choose the location, unless it is a private-for-profit facility; however, in that case the costs will be high.

From working in the mental health field I can say that if it is at all possible to receive treatment in an outpatient setting that is the preferred choice. Psychiatric hospitalizations are reserved for individuals who are suicidal or homicidal, and in some states gravely disabled. The problem with inpatient is that you will have to learn to readjust back in the community and the average inpatient stay now days is approximately 72 hours.

Answer 5

The laws vary from State to State on the admittance of minors into institutions. Certainly, if you are suicidal, seek help immediately! They will not turn you away. If you have the capacity to pay large amounts of money then you likely can work with your doctor on being placed in a program of your liking. Often though, when emergency action is needed, your choices are limited to what is nearest and may serve to stabilize you the best. After that, if your doctor decides that being admitted is the right step, you may be able to work with him on being placed in a private institution. These are VERY expensive. Even non-private ones can be, but there are options available to those who cannot afford them easily. The pros of going in...simply, a stabilization of your mental state, a controlled environment in which you are denied the means to self-harm, access to counseling and medications to aid in your treatment...the cons...(and I have been in many institutions) can vary...most places are alright enough, but sometimes you have to be placed in dormitory-like housing unit in which there is a large room and many beds...much like barracks. Other times you will share a room with one other patient paired with your personality...then sometimes you will have a private room. There will be people there who are far worse off than you...people suffering from psychoses and hallucinations...people who cannot control themselves (not dangerous most times)...often they will do things that will shock or offend you. These are all things that you must accept in order to help yourself. Often times, these things are less severe and happen less often, depending upon the institution. Good luck:)

Answer 6

I've had positive experiences both times I was hospitalized. (Bi-polar with psychosis.)

For me, a con was that I stayed there so long (4 months between both of them)... and I missed normal things like a nice bed.

Pros were that I began medication treatment. Plus it was very social and I enjoyed the environment. The routine was nice, too.

Answer 7

No, you do not without delay get sent there in case you have recommendations. they often attempt outpatient medical care training for a on a similar time as and medicines. the only time you 'get' admitted is that in case you attempt suicide and are patently in choose of help that's previous outdoors medical care. you may voluntarily admit your self in case you think of you're able to desire to or your mothers and fathers can sign for you. the quantity of time you're in there relies upon on how lots you may take care of to pay for and how lots progression is being made. each and each individual is taken care of as somebody case so there particularly isn't an answer as to that. that's in comparison to serving penitentiary time.