I have always been alone when admitted but I think someone can go through the process with you. I don't know why not. Once you are on the floor where I go they do a lot of paperwork and stuff and probably want to do that 1:1 but the waiting part should be fine with someone else.

I don't like having roommates because I'm used to living alone. But all of mine have been fine. One of them told me that when she was admitted late at night when I was sleeping she kept wondering about how scary the person on the other side of the curtain was and that she was relieved when I wasn't the boogie monster. I go to a mood disorder unit so everyone there has depression or bipolar. Usually I'm the only one with bipolar. Most people understand and are respectful of their neighbors' needs. Sometimes you can get lucky and be alone, either a rare private room or just no roommate. That's the best. I usually take a few things to help me feel more at home in my room: a fuzzy blanket (the hospital is usually cold), a few books, some puzzles, a deck of cards. I know i have access to a microwave so last time i even took my own tea bags because theirs are gross.

When I have gone in voluntarily I've had to sign something saying that if I want to sign myself out that they can keep me 3 days for evaluation. However I have seen many people choose to leave before 3 days and nobody has ever been kept. That includes one roommate I had for only 12 hours or so.