I have two children and I prefer to be hospitalized while getting meds. I have changed meds thru my local mental health provider and been successful but just prefer to be in the hospital so I can focus on me. My longest stay was 8 weeks. I think it is safer because of the different symptoms we experience. It takes a few years I hear to get your meds straight but I have been diagnosed/medicated for 17 years and still adjust and change meds every few years. I have never stuck to one doctor or health care provider long since I move a lot.