If your p-doc does not arrange for your inpatient stay, you most likely will not get inpatient unless you are a danger to your self or others, or you literally try to kill yourself.

If you walk into the ER, you will have a psych assessment. Then they decide if you will be admitted.

The best way to go in if it is not an emergency is to arrange it with your p-doc who will get you admitted. If your p-doc does not have floor privelges, he/she most likely works with someone that does.

If you are suicidal, you share a room and during the evening they do bed checks every 5-10 minutes, which can take some time getting used to. If you are not suicidal, you may be given your own room and your bed checks are usually every 15-20 minutes.

You attend groups that include therapy, coping skills, and crafts. You eat alot. There are TVs and movies and games. Most people are decent.

Your meds will be altered more quickly, because you are in a safe environment. You may have blood tests, blood pressure checks, and other physical exams occasionally.

It is scary, but works. But in most cases, you don't admit yourself.