Admission Expectations
The Mental Health and Addiction Care unit is different than other hospital areas. Below are some things you may want to know prior to your admission:
- If your admission is voluntary, your length of stay is a joint decision made by you and other members of your treatment team, with the final decision made by your psychiatrist.
- If you are admitted involuntarily (under Chapter 51.15) you will be here until your psychiatrist discharges you, which may be shorter or longer than 72 hours.
- You will be seen by a psychiatrist within 24 hours of your admission.
- Before you are seen by a psychiatrist, you will be able to work with other members of your team, including nurses, clinical therapists and
- activity therapists.
- All inpatients must be seen and evaluated by a psychiatrist before discharge.
- At admission, your belongings will be recorded. You will be allowed to keep what is necessary for your stay. Please plan to send any extra items home with family members or friends, if possible.
- Personal hygiene items will be supplied.
- The Mental Health and Addiction Care unit is a community living environment. You will probably have a roommate, eat your meals in a common area, and share telephones and a television.
- While on the unit, you are expected to participate in group therapy activities, which will be explained in greater detail at admission.
- There is no smoking on the unit.
- We encourage visitors during visiting hours, but visitors may be limited.
- Visits by children will be considered on an individual basis.
- Staff members are always available for your questions.