[behndblueyes]

so last week I didnt go to a scheduled appointment. They called me back to reschedule and while I was on the phone with them they told me i should consider their inpatient program. I guess this is my fault for chosing an outpatient program that is run by a hospital. I cant believe they think I am so messed that they want mde to consider admitting myself. I cant do that though.. I honestly cant. Too many outside factors... biggest one being that no one knows im even in the mental health system! I guess I am just panicing... has anyone had experience in inpatient programs???

[Bleufacez]

Not sure how it is in other states but in CA no one can force you to commit to a mental hopital. It's under Welfare and Institutions code... (I think).

The only time that they can force is if you committed a felony and institution is part of the plea or sentencing.

I've heard not so good thing about inpatient program.. they limit your access to objects and activities. Food probably suck too. They watch you but on the other hand... you have full access to counselors.

[JonB]

I'm sure every hospital is different, but....my experience with inpatient treatment was not great. I think it's good in a crisis situation if you really need to stabilize medications because they can change your meds daily and ramp up your doses quicker. I saw a pdoc everyday for medication adjustment.

As far a therapy, there was no counseling or therapy one on one in the hospital I was at. None at all. The only "therapy" was in the form of group lectures where they talked about how to deal with your illness or life skills and things like that. There was no chance to talk to a counselor about your own personal issues.

Also, I thought it was very, very boring as there was nothing to do. Your freedom was severely limited and there were restrictions on things like when you went to sleep, woke up, and went to the bathroom. Also, I could never sleep well because the beds were awful, there were roomates to deal with, I wasn't in my regular environment. And I couldn't get up and do the things I normally do when I can't sleep because they had rules about being up at night.

I will never, ever do inpatient again no matter how bad things get. But, your situation may be entirely different. I would get as much info. about the daily schedule and service you'd receive before I'd commit (no pun intended) to anything if I were you. Good luck.

I have several times been in an inpatient program. Unless you are a risk to yourself or others I don't recommend it. I actually get worse in hospitals because I don't have access to coping skills that work for me. If you do need to go and you live in Ohio I recommend Lauralwood hospital. This was the only program that actually helped me. The only problem is that they are very limited on the insurances they accept. Don't take medicaid or medicare at all.

[Perna]

I think they're just asking to see if you're interested! It's an "oh by the way, since you may have trouble coming to appointments, we have an inpatient program that might be easier for you, what do you think?" sort of mention. If you're interested, see if you can get a "tour" or information about it, if you're not, just say, "no thank you." I was in outpatient therapy through a hospital too a long time ago, Georgetown University Hospital in the District of Columbia. But I never thought about outpatient. If you are too uncomfortable, I'd get another, "private" therapist?

[Fuzzybear]

((((((( behndblueyes ))))))) (if ok)

Yes. you will find MY experience with this in my blog. I didn't post the link because what is in my blog is graphic so read with care.

To get there click on blogs at the top of the page, then click on get your own along the left side of the page that comes up then click on my recent entry Involuntary commitment.

[behndblueyes]

thank you myself.. that has helped soo much. and I am sorry you had to go through that.

[(JD)]

I'm not sure that it is because they are a hospital that they need to put you in patient. I would certainly consider the option. Maybe by going in now, it will be for a shorter stay than if you need to go later. Also, if they have room for you, that's unusual imo, and they might not have a space for you should you need them later.

Of course you aren't telling the whole story here, and that's okay. There must be more than a missed appointment for them to offer in patient, imo.

In the USA, if you sign yourself in, unless you are irrationally disordered and a danger to yourself or others, you can also sign yourself out when you wish.

Hope you are able to discuss this further with them, to try and see why they offered this. Good wishes.




<center></center>

Your welcome. And thanks. and I won't have to ever go through that again for I now have on file with my therapist, physician and my best friend a Declaration for Mental Heath Treatment form. With this form if I ever go to the hospital for any reason - stitches because I cut or whatever I cannot be hospitalized on a mental health unit if there are any out patient options available and if there are none and I get put on a mental health unit those professionals MUST follow what is laid out with in that form. If they deam I am not stable enough to make my own decisions they MUST contact my friend who is listed as my representative to carry out my wishes. If they don't agree with my friend they MUST go to court and prove how what is with in that form is not in my best interest.

[Sarah116]

I experienced a part one. It was okay although it was pricey 25,000 total.

[mlyn]

whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we are survivors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doing what is best!!!

My doc many years ago wanted to admit me to the hospital. My mother was in & out of mental institutions & visiting her there so traumatized me that I swore I would never go in one of those. I realize they have probably changed a lot, but going in would also make me feel as though I was as "bad off" as she was with her bp & I don't ever want to follow in her footsteps.

I did go through an outpatient program at the hospital & that was very good. I went Mon.-Thurs. nights 5:30-9:30 for about 6 weeks.

If you are a danger to yourself or others I believe thay can involuntarily commit you for 72 hours while the docs determine what your situation is. Then you would have to go to court if thye wanted to hold you further. My father was going to get my mother involuntarily committed. She heard about it & fled the country rather than be put in the mental hospital for a lengthy stay. That didn't exactly help her mental condition. She ended up committing suicide.-Suzy