If you can get into a private hospital, I highly recommend going that route. I have been in both public and private hospitals. The private hospital is a top rated hospital for trauma, and was a completely different world than the public hospital. If it is a "hospital" then you will be subjected to hospital type rules, regardless of whether or not you are voluntary or involuntary. I think what was being argued was more along the lines of a hospital versus a treatment program. They are quite different in their treatment of patients, rules, etc. If you're looking for a way to stay alive, you're not looking for a treatment program as they can't typically offer you a higher level of safety like a locked down hospital unit can. If you need the help, then go for it. Every day I was in the private hospital I called my family and cried that I wanted to come home. Years later and I still know deep down that if I get bad again, I would go back in a heartbeat. My family thinks that it was the worst time in my life and I'd never go back. It was no pleasure cruise, but my healing was accelerated by hospitalization. I was able to get years worth of therapy in just a few months. I honestly feel bad for those who are so resistant to hospitalization and then struggle for years and years with once a week therapy and continue to barely function. The loss of freedom for a few months is terrifying but the price paid is definitely worth it in the end. But, you've gotta find a good hospital or else your experience won't be anything like mine. I wish you the best.