I have been in one actual psych hospital. It was the same as being in the psych ward of a normal hospital which is very similar to other parts of the hospital. I've been to the hospital multiple times for my mental health (sometimes I choose to go, one time police took me, one time my parents took me, one time a friend took me.) I don't know if rules are different in different states, but I know here, if they admit you, you're under a mandatory 72 hour hold. After that, I'm not sure. I normally spend the 72 hours in the hospital and then get sent to a crisis house for 2 weeks. I've only been admited to the hospital twice, but I have been to the crisis house like 8 times

When the cops took me to the hospital few months ago, the hospital kept me for 6 hours. I was basically left alone with my mother who was cracking jokes for 6 hours!!! So when the therapist came in, she thought I was fine and let me go home. But she did tell me if I come back, they have to keep me.

My T brings up involuntary hospitalization a lot. But even she has told me that she knows even if she calls, they might not admit me. I really appear depressed.

OH! And that happened to me once. I had a stupid T try to hospitalize me when I was doing good. They take me to this ugly green room, cot in the middle, one pillow, one blanket, no windows, and tile floors that smelt like urine. After a few hours, two guys came and brought me to an office. I broke down crying and they asked me why. I told them they wouldn't believe me, but I was actually doing good and didn't know why I was there. They said they believed me!!!!! Why? Because no one who is actually suicidal can exert that much effort into leaving the hospital. Oye....lol.