I just did a week in a psych ward. I went in when i knew i couldn't trust my self not to harm my self, nor promise either my self, T, or pdoc. when i know i'm having a suicidal depression.

i've never had any psychotic breaks from reality, so i cant speak on that end of the spectrum. But... i know when to; when i cant guarentee my safety.

this is what happened for me. i talked to T, i talked w/ pdoc. pdoc called the hospital, and told them to expect me. i spend 2-3 hours in the emergancy room going over my plans. then a specialized nurse from the psychward interviewed me. cleared insurance, and i was in. they give you a bed, they feed you. you go to group like the other patients, or not. they give you meds, and discuss the issue with you.

with voluntary admissions... you're technically able to leave whenever you want. but they will discharge you when they think you're stable.