A psychiatric hospital, also known as a psych ward or a behavioral health unit, mainly offers specialized care and treatment for those suffering from any mental health conditions, like mood disorders or psychosis. These hospitals offer inpatient or residential services where patients can stay long-term for intensive treatments and also emergency services for issues related to mental health. Since hospital care majorly determines the trajectory of one’s health, choosing the right one is extremely important.

Why consider a psychiatric hospital?
Psychiatry is focused entirely on diagnosing, managing, and helping individuals cope with their emotional and behavioral disorders. These hospitals offer a controlled environment for individuals, as well as many therapeutic tools and staff support to ensure the stability and progress of patients. The hospitals also share detailed treatment plans with family members, keeping them in the loop regarding the patient’s health and progress. Since the hospital is constantly supervised, there’s negligible chance of a patient endangering themselves. In turn, such personalized, well-organized, structured treatment approaches can hasten their recovery.

How to find a psychiatric hospital nearby?
When looking for a psychiatric hospital nearby, it is important to note that some areas may not have dedicated psychiatric facilities. In such cases, one may find separate inpatient units at general hospitals or mental health facilities that also provide other services, like outpatient, day treatments, or general healthcare. One is advised to contact these nearby hospitals with inpatient mental health units since they are equipped to handle emergency cases.

Tips to find the right psychiatric hospital
1. Understand individual needs
Before finalizing a psychiatric hospital, one should first enlist one’s requirements. This includes location and doctor preferences based on one’s experience or therapeutic approach, treatment goals, and specific programs needed. Apart from this, there are also different types of facilities available at mental healthcare centers, like inpatient or outpatient care.

2. Visit the hospital
A psychiatric hospital aims to restore a patient’s mental well-being, so the interior of the hospital, including its cleanliness, layout, and ambiance, are important determining factors to one’s recovery. Most of these institutions have a calming interior and decor, with proper safety measures, sanitization, and hygiene standards, but it’s best to visit the place and shortlist suitable hospitals that meet one’s requirements. Also, one should check that the hospital is accredited by reputable organizations and licensed by relevant authorities. The doctors must be qualified to prescribe treatments.

3. Seek recommendations
It’s best to seek the guidance of one’s physician or psychiatrist in order to find the right psychiatric hospital. Doctors have a deeper understanding of one’s condition and treatment needs, which makes them a valuable resource for navigating the process effectively. Alternatively, one can also ask trusted friends or relatives since they’re likely to share honest and unbiased reviews of the hospital based on their first-hand experience.

4. Research online
A common online search can help one to find the best and most affordable psychiatric hospitals nearby. Many legitimate organizations offer a “Find a Treatment Center” locator on their website. One can get the information needed to locate nearby facilities by entering one’s zip code or program type.  NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the American  Residential Treatment Association are some of the reputable resources that can help one find a suitable treatment facility nearby, including a psychiatric hospital. The result may be based on treatment needed, location, and city.

5. Check for emergency admittance
Almost all psychiatric hospitals offer emergency services, wherein patients can be admitted at any time of the day. But it’s a good idea to double-check the same, especially in hospitals where psychiatric wards are integrated with other services. Generally, psychiatric hospitals see two types of admissions: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary admissions are the ones where a patient, usually overwhelmed by their mental health condition and seeking added support, signs in for psychiatric services either by themselves or with the help of a doctor or a legal guardian. In case of involuntary admission, a person may be brought in by a guardian, doctor, police, or other known society members for reasons such as dementia or a need for restraint. Involuntary admissions are usually brief or temporary, while voluntary admissions are usually inpatient and may last as long as necessary.

6. Evidence-based treatment
One should select a psychiatric hospital that reveals the kind of therapies and strategies it uses for treatments and how effective it has been in treating its other or previous patients. Knowing these can ensure the treatment approach works well with one’s needs. In addition, look for psychiatric hospitals that offer behavioral therapies or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a goal-oriented therapy that aims to alter one’s thought patterns. CBT is suitable for trauma-based conditions and personality disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

7. Consider staff expertise and approach
Steer clear of any hospital that treats one’s loved one as another patient to admit. Study their approach to one’s condition and their willingness to accommodate one’s needs that may be different or specialized. One should remember that when it comes to mental health disorders, there’s no single treatment that works for all patients. The hospital must act accordingly when it comes to the patient’s background, current physical health, and diagnosis.

8. Check insurance coverage
Contact the insurance company to check the coverage and whether the shortlisted psychiatric hospital falls under one’s insurance. One can also go through one’s employee assistance program (EAP) to see if and how much of the psychiatric hospital expenses it covers.