[InTherapy]

What happens if your T involuntarily commits you to the psych ward and you don't have insurance?

How much does it end up costing?

Not really the kinds of questions you can ask your T without raising all sorts of red flags...

[stopdog]

It depends upon where you live. In my state, there a few steps to be taken and there is a difference in which hospitals will accept involuntary mental health holds and those that do not. You might want to check with someone in your exact state (or country if not USA) - a doctor you trust or lawyer who deals in the mental health field.

[growlycat]

It is a scary situation, especially if your state has a public/state run hospital. If you are in bad shape, they will transfer you to a state hospital.

However, if you can convince the evaluating team that you feel bad but do not plan to harm yourself they will release you.

Just tell your T how you feel. The red flags lower when you let him/her know you want to work out a plan to stay safe and you don't plan on hurting yourself, even though the feelings are there

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by InTherapy

What happens if your T involuntarily commits you to the psych ward and you don't have insurance?

At a psych hospital in my area it is $1000/night for a bed and space in the program if you pay out of pocket. If you are on Medicaid, then you may get some coverage. The sooner you can demonstrate that you are safe, the sooner you will be able to leave, and the less it will cost you.

Originally Posted by InTherapy

Not really the kinds of questions you can ask your T without raising all sorts of red flags...

No, but you can call up the psychiatric hospital and ask them. They get this kind of question all the time. Many people consider voluntary admission and part of that equation is the cost. The hospital is used to fielding this type of question and your T will not know you have made inquiries.

Good luck. I hope you can stay safe.

[ClementineK]

I really wouldn't think the question alone would necessarily raise any red flags to your T.. They might ask you the typical, "Do you feel like you want to hurt yourself?" and, "Do you have a plan?"

I've been admitted twice. Once involuntarily. They weren't state hospitals or anything. Both gave me pamphlets for filling out certain financial forms if I felt I was unable to pay the bill.

Here's one thought....the last time I was admitted, it was not voluntary....and I was *NOT* happy about this experience at ALL. I later told my Dr. "I thought about fibbing and saying I had no insurance, just incase they were thinking about keeping me for more than a few days." She said, "Yeah! That would have gotten you discharged sooner!" LOL! I will remember that next time. If there is a next time.

i believe (at least in jersey) that even if you are obligated to pay you can set up a payment plan for as much as you can (be it as little as you can..iffen ya get my drift) & as long as you are good at paying that they can't really say much.

also there is indigent care offered too...they have to make provisions for people..such as the homeless etc who are hospitalized & can not afford it. if it is needed they can not turn you away..it may not be the ritz or the betty ford center but they will provide care.

also..you can not be hospitalized unless you are presenting as a danger to yourself or others...so unless that is the case..i doubt your t will scoop you up & run with you.

[Mike_J]

It does varry from state to state, I know where I'm at you have to have hurt or attempted harm yourself in the past 72 hours, or there is evidence that you are planning to do so within the next 72 hours. If those conditions don't apply to you then they can't commit you, and where I'm at it would still take 3 people to sigh the commitment papers. I went to he ER for some stiches, ended up getting locked up that is how I know the rules.