[introm]

Are they psychiatric institution where you can check-in all by yourself, to get some form of therapy? Obviously paying by myself. I am not in a crisis right now, but sometimes I wonder whether I'll be better there for a while.

I would think that all psychiatric hospitals have therapy. Mine did. I don't why they shouldn't when their main goal is to help the patient feel better.

I've been through music and art therapy while staying at St. Luke's in Pheonix.

As of a patient checking themself in, I don't know the answer to that.
Most I've seen were accompanied by a family member, but the case being that most of the patients were either my age or younger. Then again, I wasn't really paying attention to all that was going on around me.

EDIT: Oh, I forgot to mention that we also did group therapy sessions as well. The boys would be separated from the girls at different times. Us "girls" would be all together working on an activity that helped us learn about coping strategies and how to build up self esteem.

This doesn't really work out for the majority of the time. We'll just go back out into the world to either move on, or, continue to carry on with our habits.

[introm]

Thanks for your answer Kranoi. My doubt is mainly about the "checking in as a patient, as in a hotel." I just need sometimes a place to escape, even if it's just for a couple of days. I'm aware that all will have some form of therapy, and won't just lock you in a room.

[gayleggg]

I would just get a list of the ones you are considering and call and ask them. I know for if you use insurance you have to meet certain critiera, but if you are paying cash I'm not sure if you have to meet the critiera but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

****, I am having a hard time understanding you. Sorry if I keep on having the wrong answers.

Listen, what I meant to say was:

You probably won't be let in unless your therapist suggests that you really need to go. You can't just check yourself in because you want to. It is only if you are in danger to yourself.

[introm]

Alternatively, can someone suggest what to do, where to go during a crisis? Sometimes I need to escape of my environment, but traveling to some place and staying alone in a hotel seems literally so depressing...

Originally Posted by introm

Alternatively, can someone suggest what to do, where to go during a crisis? Sometimes I need to escape of my environment, but traveling to some place and staying alone in a hotel seems literally so depressing...

Psychiatric hospitals aren't meant for you to take a vacation. They are meant to contain a patient that is in danger of harming themselves or others.

[splitimage]

Some states have respite houses, where you can go and stay if you need someplace safe to stay but don't require hospitalization. From what I understand the therapy is peer based.

I don't really know a lot about it, as I'm in Canada, just what I've read, in conjunction with Wellness Recovery Action Planning, which was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland who is in the US.

Good luck.

splitimage

[Travelinglady]

Hey, introm! I agree that people just can't check themselves into a regular mental ward or hospital without approval from a professional. And they need to be seen as a possible danger.

Are you seeing a therapist? If not, then I really recommend them. If so, then you might want to talk to him/her about how you feel. I know what you mean about just wanting to escape for a bit. Hospital stays, though, are definitely not like hotels!

I'm thinking surely there's some sort of program for people who want to just get away--like some spa or something...... The problem might be the cost.

[introm]

Yes, I know it will cost something. But it's worth doing, if my mental health improves somehow. I could also do some work remotely, and work better/longer after the time-out. I feel it would be like a good night asleep. As alternative, I plan to 'disappear' (no cell-phone contact, no twitter checking, no FB) for a week and go trekking or some intense sport activity.

[cool09]

Nowadays, Insurance won't admit you to a psychiatric ward unless you're a threat to yourself or others no matter how bad you are suffering.

[Nammu]

If what you're looking for is intensive mental health therapy there're partial hospital programs and other various daily groups. Some provide transportation others you have to get your self to the place. Some are long term others are one or two weeks, then there's some that are only one or two days a week at night. You can usually find groups that focus on art therapy, cognitive, or /mindfulness. There seems to be something out there for most people, it depends on your funding and location. If you are in the USA you can call 411 and ask for a list or google mental health your location.

[introm]

It's clear that insurance won't pay if I just say: guess what, I want to spend the next two weeks in a psychiatric institution. But I was thinking more about a kind of retreat with maybe what sidestepper suggests: art therapy, cog. therapy, mindfulness. So, anyone who could contribute with any link in the US, Canada, Ireland, or UK about such an institution. It would be greatly appreciated. Don't think about a psychiatric hospital, think more as a kind of vacation. In the same way that some people go to a spa to lose weight. I'd go to lose mental issues.

[Travelinglady]

Hmmm. I just don't know. As you say, maybe someone from a relevant country can suggest something. Have you Googled something, maybe like "mental-health retreats"?

[Nammu]

If money is not an issue then there are places like this that don't need you to be a danger to yourself.

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Womens Addiction Treatment Residential | Brookhaven Retreat

Cottonwood | Arizona Drug Rehab | Addiction Rehab | Behavioral Health Treatment Center This one has a London stalag office.

Top 10 rehabilitation clinics in the world - Healthcare Global This is all I could find for global treatment centers but they seem to be focused on rehab even though they say mental health too. Perhaps it is because of the stigma associated with mental illness so people say they are going for rehab?

Best of luck I know how hard it is to search when you are having a hard time.

[Victoria'smom]

I know fourwinds has a program for just mental illnesses. The thing is residential mental health facility's are going to cost over $500 a day and most require a 30 day commitment.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by introm

Are they psychiatric institution where you can check-in all by yourself, to get some form of therapy? Obviously paying by myself. I am not in a crisis right now, but sometimes I wonder whether I'll be better there for a while.

I agree with the above posting that included rehab program links, that was the first that came to mind.

Originally Posted by introm

Alternatively, can someone suggest what to do, where to go during a crisis? Sometimes I need to escape of my environment, but traveling to some place and staying alone in a hotel seems literally so depressing...

Have you considered locating a therapist, in a location, that you'd like to spend some time in? Then you could get some out-patient counseling, whilst enjoying a get away?

Originally Posted by introm

Yes, I know it will cost something. But it's worth doing, if my mental health improves somehow. I could also do some work remotely, and work better/longer after the time-out. I feel it would be like a good night asleep. As alternative, I plan to 'disappear' (no cell-phone contact, no twitter checking, no FB) for a week and go trekking or some intense sport activity.

If unplugging from technology is part of this, then perhaps finding a location that doesn't have cell towers, to prevent yourself from going on-line or using your cell?

Really depends on what your goal is. Setting yourself up, as a patient with a therapist, is a good way to ensure that you've someone to call when in a crisis. Rehab, does usually require a commitment.

Most hospitals, will intake you, then determine if you are in need of a stay there, and if so, after 24 hours, if admitted and determined you aren't at risk to yourself and others, may release you.

Not sure, what type of crisis, you may be concerned about.

[Sabra]

Originally Posted by introm

Are they psychiatric institution where you can check-in all by yourself, to get some form of therapy? Obviously paying by myself. I am not in a crisis right now, but sometimes I wonder whether I'll be better there for a while.

Good morning,

You can check Sierra Tucson website

Sabra

[Fiddler]

Well, if it's sport or something you're considering.. But I often feel I want to take a time-out. A day. A week. But it never makes any difference. Infact I feel I'm even more tired than before. I doubt a phsychiatric hospital can be less depressing than a hotel room. It doesn't tend to be so much "treatment" than it is keeping you "safe" inside the building, and telling you what to do and when.

[introm]

UPDATE: I discovered that what I needed was not a "hotel-like psychiatric", but a retreat. There are several, for different kinds of problem, but most are not specialized.

[Travelinglady]

Glad to hear that! If you'd like, then please let us know if you find one that works for you!

[Perna]

Originally Posted by introm

Alternatively, can someone suggest what to do, where to go during a crisis? Sometimes I need to escape of my environment, but traveling to some place and staying alone in a hotel seems literally so depressing...

I would try to develop a "hobby" and would travel to a meeting or get-together of some kind related to the hobby, where you could go with or become friends with others as you liked, so the hotel would not seem so depressing. Or, just doing a "group tour" thing of another city or sites, might help; you could go along and just listen and not participate, but it would get you out of your immediate environment/head for a bit?

I use to "live" in my local library, at lunchtime/breaks to get away from work or in the evening and on weekends to get away the loneliness/myself. Taking a course at a nearby or online establishment can provide an "excuse" to get away and means to meet others?

[venusss]

If you have money to blow on yourself, why not do something... Eat, Love, Pray style? Self-help and self-discovery is the most powerful healing tool you can get.

[introm]

Eat, Love, Pray style? Self-help and self-discovery is the most powerful healing tool you can get.

No, it's not. And I don't pray, I am an atheist.

[rapid cyclist]

I don't know where you are, so I'll just tell you about my local getaways of choice. Esalen is a spectacular retreat on the central California coast, in Big Sur, a kind of forest by the sea. They have all kinds of therapeutic "get away from it all" retreats, and the cost isn't beyond the pale. I also like Asilomar, which is near Monterey--also beautiful, more seaside forest. Do you sense a theme in my favored retreat settings? I've only done self-styled retreats at Asilomar, just booking a week's stay to meditate and write. I think they can be just as productive sometimes as a more guided retreat. Fun fact: Asilomar's central grounds are turn of the century YWCA lodge facilities built by Julia Morgan, the architect of Hearst Castle (which is fairly nearby). So if anyone's thinking about visiting, definitely ask for a room in one of the heritage buildings! They're still very rustic (no phone, TV, etc.), and last time I went I got no cell reception there, so you really can cut that cord!