[halliebeth1987]

Are state hospitals horrible and scary??

[MotownJohnny]

Do they even exist? Michigan closed them a number of years ago, using group homes, CMH, and regular hospitals instead.

I don't know about all of them but I wouldn't want to spend any time in a Texas state hospital. What is it that you're really asking about?

[Perna]

Originally Posted by MotownJohnny

Do they even exist? Michigan closed them a number of years ago, using group homes, CMH, and regular hospitals instead.

Michigan still has three! MDCH - State-Operated Psychiatric Hospitals

But you're right, Johnny, they do things all differently than they use to.

Look at your state halliebeth, see how it does mental health? One's stay usually isn't as long as they use to be so they aren't as "scary", part of the scary was the fear they'd "throw away the key". They don't/can't do that anymore.

My state has "designated psychiatric emergency facilities": http://dhmh.maryland.gov/mha/SitePag...acilities.aspx

[MotownJohnny]

That I didn't know. I remember they closed Northville and Clinton Valley years back.

[halliebeth1987]

We have a state facility very close to me. I have only been to a private and also regular hospital psych unit. the dr at the private told me last time that next time I need to go to the state hospital. I have bpd and I was there because my sister took me after I od the first time. he said in all his experience and training he couldn't help me except to tell me that I need to start counseling. that going somewhere for a few days wont help me. also I don't have insurance and he said next time go to a state hospital. im afraid of how long theyd keep me. not like an acute psych hosp ya know?

If this doctor has that view then maybe he would help you to get SS disability and whatever medical insurance that might entitle you to. State facilities probably vary in quality of care just as private facilities do.

[halliebeth1987]

I don't have contact with him any longer. hes mean...

[halliebeth1987]

Originally Posted by George H.

If this doctor has that view then maybe he would help you to get SS disability and whatever medical insurance that might entitle you to. State facilities probably vary in quality of care just as private facilities do.

do you think he meant it to say they are the only people that can help??

[online user]

Might be an insurance thing--that the private hospital is for-profit and will only take paying patients or patients with insurance. If you don't have insurance, the state hospital would have to admit you as they can't refuse to treat people under their founding guidelines.

Originally Posted by halliebeth1987

do you think he meant it to say they are the only people that can help??

My interpretation would be no, there are many far better treatment options than state hospitals.

I can only base my experience from public locked wards here, I assume they would not be quite as bad but as close as I have had. It was not helpful, very scary, other patients are more of a threat than anything, and having 24hr watch is not pleasant in the slightest. It was an awful experience and one I wouldnt wish on anyone. I was terrified the whole time I was in them.

[HALLIEBETH87]

guys this is hallie. I finally got the password changed so I can use this one! I am the same person as halliebeth1987, obviously

[HALLIEBETH87]

I have been on a 24 hr watch before. I had a camera in my room. I was only allowed in their at nighttime hours. otherwise I had to be in the dayroom or in the staff's direct sight/presence....that included bathroom visits and showers. I was on lockdown on the ward so I had to eat the food they sent up for me. I was on finger food and not allowed to have *plastic* silverware. it was horrible. it lasted 5 days. it was because id been self-harming.

[cool09]

In PA most State Hospitals were phased out in early 90's but a few still exist. A resident Psychiatrist told me that he would never put his son in one of them.