
Many things can cause a mental health crisis, including difficulties at work, medical problems, relationship issues and financial strain. If you’re already dealing with a mental health condition, these added problems can make it even harder to cope. If things get to be too much, you may wonder whether you can check yourself into a mental hospital for immediate help. The answer is yes, especially if you pose a risk to yourself or others. In most cases, you can voluntarily admit yourself to a rehab program to begin healing immediately. Voluntary admission is the first step toward recovery and requires courage. This article explains the process so you know how to check yourself into a mental hospital when you’re ready.
Voluntary Admission to Mental Health or Substance Use Rehab
Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States struggles with mental illness. More than half of these individuals fail to receive the treatment they need. Those who do usually manage their conditions with a combination of methods, including medication, talk therapy, group meetings and lifestyle changes. When symptoms become too severe for outpatient or partial hospitalization treatment, inpatient care may be needed.
Involuntary commitment allows others to intervene when a person is having a psychiatric emergency. If you recognize the signs you’re going through a crisis, you may decide to check yourself into a mental hospital on your own, which is referred to as voluntary commitment. This process can seem overwhelming, but choosing to get help before your mental health gets worse can lead to a better outcome.
Eligibility and Requirements for Self-Admission
The process involved in checking yourself into a mental hospital is usually straightforward. However, requirements may vary depending on the state you live in, your insurance coverage and the facility you choose. Common guidelines include:
- Age. You must be at least 18 years old for voluntary admission. Minors require parental consent or approval from a guardian.
- Medical approval. If you have an underlying health condition that could cause complications, you’ll need medical clearance from your doctor. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, you may need to complete a detox program or enter dual-diagnosis treatment.
- Willingness to participate. For voluntary admission to work, you must be willing to take part in your treatment program and therapy.
- Ability to pay. Before treatment begins, you’ll need to prove you can pay. During intake, most facilities will verify your insurance coverage or talk to you about self-pay options. Some facilities offer financial assistance or base the charges on a sliding scale, but you’ll still have to prove you can pay the remaining bill.
What the Intake Process Looks Like
The intake procedure helps a facility get to know you and develop a treatment plan. While it can vary, the general process includes:
- Initial screening. An admissions counselor or intake specialist will ask you a series of questions about your medical history, current mental health status, medications and background. This initial screening will help determine whether the facility can assist you.
- Insurance prequalification. Your admission counselor will verify your insurance or discuss other payment options. After prequalifying, you’ll receive an admission date. Some facilities offer same-day admissions, while others have waiting lists.
- Assessment. On your first day, you’ll receive a complete physical exam, psychiatric assessment and lab tests. Once this initial assessment is complete, you’ll be given a custom treatment plan.
- Orientation. This usually includes a tour of the facility. You’ll be shown to your room and receive a list of rules to abide by during your stay.
Factors to Consider Before Entering Rehab
Getting help during a mental health crisis is important, but there are several factors to consider before you enter a rehab program:
- Type of care. Some people do well with outpatient care, while others are more successful with inpatient treatment. You may want to check with your health care provider to determine which method would be most beneficial.
- Length of stay. The length of time you’re in treatment can vary. You may stay only a few days to help stabilize your condition. Some programs may require you to stay 30 days or more. Before admitting yourself, consider how to manage your personal obligations while in treatment. For example, you may have to ask for a leave of absence from work.
- Support system. Talk with your family and friends to let them know your intentions. For maximum success, ask for support from those you trust.
- Define your goals. Write down what you plan to get out of treatment. Set goals and share them with your care team.
- Aftercare. Treatment doesn’t stop when you leave the facility. Make sure you have support in place once you return home. You’ll also need to keep all scheduled appointments and get information about support groups.
Rights and Privacy During Treatment
Privacy laws keep your medical records confidential when you’re in voluntary treatment. Your employer may ask for written proof you need treatment, but they aren’t allowed to ask why you’re being admitted. In addition to confidentiality, you have other rights that protect your best interests when checking yourself into a mental hospital.
- Right to leave. If you’ve voluntarily admitted yourself to treatment, you can leave when you want. Staff members may try to talk you out of leaving if they believe you’re a threat to yourself. In some cases, a facility can get a court order to keep you in the program.
- Right to diagnosis. Before agreeing to care, you have the right to know your diagnosis and proposed treatment plan.
- Right to dignity. All patients have a right to be treated with respect and dignity.
Alternatives to Inpatient Admission
Inpatient treatment isn’t the only option for receiving mental health care. Partial hospitalization and outpatient programs allow you to receive part of your treatment in a facility but return home each night. These options can make it easier to juggle work and daily life. Group therapy, individual treatment sessions and medications are other mental health care options for those who can manage their symptoms without constant monitoring.
Getting Started: Check Yourself Into a Mental Hospital
Knowing you can check yourself into a mental hospital when you’re feeling unstable can ensure you get help if it’s needed. To learn more about the process, contact FHE Health to speak to one of our counselors.