1. What is intake like? For the general hospital in the town I live, you have to go through the ER. You have to tell the clerk at the desk that you are suicidal, which I don't like. Then they took me into a consultation room and I spoke to the doctor. A nurse came and took me to take off all my clothes and put on scrubs. They took my purse, suitcase and clothes. I usually have to wait quite a while but eventually I was taken to the psych or behavioral ward. (I prefer the term psych ward rather than behavioral as that sounds like you choose to be the way you are.)

At a different hospital attached to the Mayo Clinic I was admitted after having an appointment to see a medical doctor and didn't have to go through the ER. Every other hospital I have been in I have gone through the ER because of suicide attempts. I was in a county psychiatric hospital once for 72 hours. The bathroom didn't have a glass mirror, just a shined piece of metal bolted to the wall... and no toilet seat. I didn't like it there very much and received no care other than just custodial care.

2. What are the rooms like? The rooms were singles but could be used for 2 if needed. A basic bathroom with toilet and sink. There was a closet with drawers below it. The bathing room was down the hall and had to be unlocked by the nurse.

3. What are the days like? Early up to take meds and vital signs. Wait for breakfast and to see your psychiatrist for a few minutes. Wait for lunch. After lunch a coping skills group run by social workers. Wait for supper. Sit around most of the day in the day room which had games and TV. Get nighttime meds. Lots of sitting around. You weren't allowed to have your phone, partially because of the camera function and part to monitor your interactions. They did have a phone in the hall and gave me a calling card to make long distance calls.

4. What are the nights like? Usually quiet. The nurses or psych aides checked every 30 minutes. If you couldn't sleep you could sit in the day room but no TV because of the noise.

5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication? Unless your hospital psychiatrist changes your meds then they will continue you on what you were taking. You should bring a list of your meds or the pill bottles with you.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything? Pill bottles, PJs, regular daytime clothing. Nothing with ties, including shoes strings. Book(s). Toothbrush!

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area? The general hospital nearby has a locked ward as I described above. The nurses were all caring and treated me well. Mostly it is boring. But, when you are fighting yourself about suicide, not having to fight anymore because you can't do it can be a real relief.

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc. A general medical doctor checks you and the psychiatrists sees you for a few minutes every day. The amount of counseling varies - the local hospital only has the coping skills group, while the hospital I was in that is connected to the Mayo Clinic had Occupational Therapy, exercise group, and group therapy run by the nurses. Oh, your regular therapist can come to see you if that is something they want to do. Mine will if I stay in for an extended admission.

9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) Anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days, generally for me but it can vary a great deal according to your needs. I have found that the insurance companies want you out as fast as possible & I can only be in the hospital as long as I am actively suicidal. Even if you are not stable, if you are no longer suicidal then you are discharged.

10. Do most insurances cover it? Mine did since it was a general hospital with a psych ward. Some insurance companies don't cover psych hospitals. Medicare has a lifetime limit on being admitted to a psych hospital although there is no limit on admissions to general hospitals. If you really want to know you need to call your insurance company and ask.

Every hospital is different but there are commonalities.