Questions:
1. What is intake like?
There are two ways of intake. I can see my pdoc and he sends me in. That way it is a direct admission and I don't have to wait for hours in the ER. If my pdoc doesn't do a direct admission, I go through the ER, they take blood, urine, etc., I wait until all labs are back, and then I go to the unit. The ER process can take hours, so I try to have my pdoc admit me.

2. What are the rooms like?

Rooms are hospital rooms. Two beds, two desks, two dressers, a restroom. Nothing exciting. They do not use sheets; instead they use blankets. Sheets are a hanging hazard. Doors to the rooms are left open at all times for observation.

3. What are the days like?
During the day you have scheduled meals and groups. The groups are an hour each and basically deal with coping skills. They keep your time pretty structured, which is really a positive.

4. What are the nights like?
The evenings include a one hour visitation and a closing group for the day. Otherwise your time is yours. You get your evening meds after 9:00 and head to bed. Generally I sleep well because they give you something to sleep if you need it.
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?
They start you on you regular medication routine, but you see a pdoc every day and generally med changes will be made.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything?
Bring comfortable clothes with no drawstrings. Shoes with no laces. Toiletries. Reading material. They will go through your belongings and anything that is not allowed will be stored away.

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?
I found my hospital through my insurance company.

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

You meet with your pdoc daily. Groups are available throughout the day. No individual therapy in the hospital I use. It is a crisis intervention unit, so generally you are only there around 5 days or so.
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic)

My shortest stay was 3 days. My longest stay was 3 weeks. The average is around 5 days.

10. Do most insurances cover it?
My insurance covers all of it except a co-pay. You really have to check with your insurance company for the answer to this question.