I personally have never been in a mental hospital but I wanted to tell you that I think it takes a lot of courage to admit you may need some extra help. A friend of mine was hospitalized a few times and both times she spent about a week there and came out feeling much better. It likely depends on the facility that you enter but I believe that it involves a lot of group therapy. As for keeping the same therapist, I think that would depend on the situation for instance if your therapist is involved with a hospital and you go to that hospital it may be possible to continue to see them. There are other options other than hospitialization also but a therapist would be the best person to explain that because they would be more aware of what is available in your area.