Questions:

1. What is intake like?

For me, everyone was very kind about my situation. It's just that the wait time was SO LONG! I admitted myself, and when a bed became available I had to do an "intake", which involves filling in a lot of forms about my past and present situation.

2. What are the rooms like?

Where I'm staying, it's mostly 2-person bedrooms or 4-person bedrooms. I'm in a semi-private, with a washroom included...so that's nice.

3. What are the days like?

Ok, well that depends on you! Where I'm currently staying, we have 3 big screen televisions, computer & internet, Wii Games, board games, piano, guitar, times to get some fresh air/smoke...books to read, etc...

Besides the fun stuff though, usually we see our doctors daily, plus have chats with nurses and sometimes a psychologist/social worker.

4. What are the nights like?

Bedtime here is 11:00pm, nurses check in on us every so often.

5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?

Tell the nurses which meds you're taking, and they'll continue giving those meds to you.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything?

I'd say clothing, toiletries (of course!), and books/magazines. I also brought my iPod, but that's always a risk in case it gets stolen.

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?

I find they're very good. Friendly, non-judgemental, and they try their best to hook you up with useful programs in the area, such as eating disorders clinic, AA, NA, one-on-one therapy, etc...

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.

Meeting with doctors usually happens daily. Counselling can be offered if they find it useful to the patient. There is also group therapy, such as relaxation therapy and depression group.

9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) I'd say about 2 weeks, since that's the average stay for anyone.

10. Do most insurances cover it? I'm not sure, I live in Canada

Best of luck to you!