psychiatric hospital question?

Question

A friend was sent to a psychiatric hospital, possibly for suicide watch (I don't know all the details).... how long of a stay is stanard for this? If it helps any, this friend was sent to Richland Springs in Columbia, SC. I could probably find out more from the family later on, I'd just like some sort of idea.

Answer 1

Assuming that the laws are similar state to state (I am in PA) here is what I know...One can sign themselves into the hospital willingly for 72 hours of treatment. By doing so, you admit that you have some issues, that if left untreated, may lead to your being a danger to yourself or someone else. You can also consent to treatment if you have hurt yourself. If you are a clear and present danger to yourself or someone else, you can be involuntarily committed. This means that a family member, police officer, and/or 2 doctors can petition the local mental health delegate to have you committed to a psychiatric facility. They facility has five days in which to diagnose and treat you. On or about day 3 or 4, there will be a hearing to determine your need for continued inpatient care. They may also order outpatient treatment if you are discharged that you must attend. So, in response to your question, length of stay depends on the type of committment he/she is under and how well they respond/participate in treatment. If, and only if, the patient/family is willing to share information with you that is great. Otherwise, you will be out of luck. Medical information is protected and private. Mental Health information is all but Top Secret. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

25+ times in 6 years; committed 3 times, the rest were voluntary. The experience depends on so many factors - the diagnosis of the patient, the facility and staff, severity of symptoms - with some "visits" I felt more normal in than out because I was surrounded by people with a similar diagnosis and level of illness, we had a good staff, and we were all in pretty much the same stage of recovery. We exchanged phone numbers and email addresses before we were released - all within a week of each other. Other "visits" have been demeaning and almost dehumanizing; doctors who won't listen, staff who won't interact with patients for whatever reason, the list goes on. I believe all psych facilities have a patient advocate; their job is to represent YOU if there's a problem. I have never seen a room with rubber walls or a straightjacket. Most of the time the food is almost restaurant quality. During admission, the staff will go through your belongings. Anything glass, containing alcohol (including cologne), anything that can be used to hurt yourself or someone else are removed, labeled, and placed in a secure area. Privacy is respected as much as possible. Are you facing or considering a psych hospitalization? Do you know someone who is? Or did you ask for research purposes?

Answer 3

For money reasons, most people are in and out of inpatient psychiatric facilities within 1-2 weeks. This is done by trying to stabilize the person on medication, coordinating discharge and outpatient care, and contract with them about getting the right help if they feel suicidal afterwards. But if this is a psychiatric hospital that exists independently of a medical system, the stay could be longer, and there's no way I could know.

Answer 4

The standard length of time for a possible suicide is a minimum of 72 hours. If it is found that they were serious in their intent or attempt they will be kept there until they are Stabilized and are no longer considered a danger to themselves. That could be up to two weeks depending on how sick they are.

Answer 5

Looks like you already got your answers. There are lot of people here who knows about mental health.

Without knowing the exact reason the hospital can keep her there longer than the 72 hours. Although it would take a court order, if the doctor feels this person is a danger to herself or others, they will try to hold them as long as they can to keep the person safe.

Answer 6

It really depends on the situation, every person is different..they will keep this person until they feel he is no longer a danger to himself (or to anyone else)...Some people can spend the weekend, some months...There is usually a psychiatrist who will assess this person and decide what kind of action to take, if there needs to be meds prescribed, some kind of counselling etc...Is there a history of some kind of mental illness or did this just happen on a whim? Either way it is probably the safest place for this person to be at the moment....

Answer 7

Depends on the institution and the state, Illinois usually uses a 48hr rule, maybe more depending on what the doctor would recommend during the intake interview. Expect a short stay if he didn't do or say anything that would cause any extra concern.

Answer 8

It probably depends on if he was committed or signed himself in. You're SUPPOSED to be able to get out in 72 hrs. if you sign yourself in...altho they don't always abide by that if you have insurance. I don't know about the suicide thing tho. I'm sure others on here will know a lot more than I do. Just make sure that he and his family know their rights. Need to talk to a lawyer about that probably. You could go on the legal section and maybe find out about it. Make sure they don't put him on drugs that make him worse..or a looney tune. If they do that...they can keep him a long time and say he's schizo or something that he's not. He's probably just depressed. Might have to stay long enough to know if the medicine is going to work right on him or not. If he has somebody to stay with who'll be responsible for him and watch him..he might get out sooner.

Answer 9

A 72 hr. hold is usually the minimum stay, and the maximum insurance is willing to pay for. However, when the patient isn't yet ready for release, the Dr. may order a longer stay.

Answer 10

72 hours (three days) is pretty standard as far as I know. However, the length of time may be longer depending on how well she responds to treatment.