9 Signs You Might Need to Go to a Mental Health Hospital

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Many people with mental health issues can benefit from outpatient treatment. But some people with more severe symptoms may require a temporary stay in a mental health hospital. A hospital can help stabilize you during a crisis and help you develop a plan for future treatment.

The decision to go to a hospital or seek another level of care can be challenging. Here's what you should know about voluntarily checking yourself into a mental health hospital.

Signs you may need to go to a mental health hospital

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or having a hard time taking care of yourself, then you may benefit from a stay at a mental health hospital. Here are nine common signs of a mental health crisis.

1. Suicidal thoughts

Suicidal ideation includes thoughts and feelings of wanting to end your own life. Some people experience suicidal thoughts without any intention of acting on them. But if you have suicidal thoughts and a plan, feel like you may take action, or have a history of suicide attempts, then you may need help from a mental health hospital.

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts of any kind, reach out to a trusted support person or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

2. Severe depression

Depression is a mood disorder that involves sadness that lasts for several weeks. This sadness is accompanied by other symptoms, like a loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and changes in weight and appetite.

Depression ranges from mild to severe, depending on the number of your symptoms. People with severe depression may experience suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and difficulty functioning. They may require hospitalization to adequately treat their symptoms.

3. Mania

Mania is a period of elevated or euphoric mood and little need for sleep that lasts at least 1 week. People may also experience racing thoughts, irritability, and difficulty managing impulses. Some people with manic symptoms may put themselves or others in danger.

If a person experiencing manic symptoms is a danger to themselves or others, or can't care for themselves, then they may require hospitalization.

4. Severe mood swings

Mood swings are a significant shift in how a person feels. They can be a symptom of mental health conditions like bipolar 1 and 2 disorder and, in some cases, depression. Mood swings can be very distressing for the person experiencing them, as well as for their loved ones.

When mood swings are severe, prolonged, and feel out of control, a stay in a mental health hospital may be beneficial.

5. Feeling highly agitated

Agitation is a symptom of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. It can range from mild irritability and restlessness to severe aggression. Agitation may also be a side effect of certain psychiatric medications.

If the agitation is severe or involves a desire to hurt others, then hospitalization may be necessary.

6. Urges to self-harm

Self-harm is any behavior that inflicts harm on oneself. It can include cutting, burning, or injuring yourself. Many people who self-harm don't want to die. Rather, they resort to self-harming as a way to cope with their emotional pain.

People who self-harm should seek professional treatment, but hospitalization isn't always necessary. However, anyone who self-harms with the intention of attempting suicide or who self-harms to the point of serious injury should get treatment in a mental health hospital.

7. Urges to hurt others

Sometimes agitation and paranoia can lead to urges to hurt other people. A person who experiences these urges and has plans to act on them requires mental health hospitalization.

8. Paranoia

Paranoia is a fear that other people are trying to hurt or conspire against you. It's a symptom of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and sometimes other conditions like bipolar disorder. Paranoia can range from mild to severe. People who experience paranoia believe very strongly that what they're experiencing is real.

If paranoia is very distressing or causing a person to engage in risky behaviors or violence, then hospitalization may be needed.

9. Difficulty keeping up with activities of daily living

Some severe mental health conditions can impact a person's ability to care for themselves. They may interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include eating, grooming, and bathing.

When a person's mental health symptoms interfere with their ADLs, they often require mental health hospitalization to address their symptoms and improve their overall functioning. If a person is unable to maintain their ADLs after they're discharged from the hospital, they may need an alternative living environment where they can get assistance with these activities.

Should I voluntarily check myself into a mental health hospital?

Most treatments for mental health issues are voluntary. This means you're the one who chooses to seek help. This can include going to the hospital when you recognize you need extra care.

"If you're experiencing a crisis and feel out of control, checking into a mental health facility is a good place to get the help you need," says Keith Stowell, MD, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer for Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. "These facilities are staffed with teams of dedicated professionals who provide you with support and care tailored to your needs."

When deciding whether to go to the hospital, consider whether a lower level of care can keep you safe and address your symptoms.

Apart from inpatient hospitalization, other mental health treatments include:

• Attending outpatient therapy more frequently, such as two to three times per week

• Intensive outpatient programs

• Partial hospitalization programs

• Residential treatment programs

Inpatient hospitalization may also be helpful when you need to make a big medication change. Your treatment team can monitor you and address any side effects.

Deciding whether to go to the hospital can be a hard decision. Getting professional input about this decision can be helpful. If you already have a therapist or psychiatrist, talk to them about your options. They can help you determine the best type of treatment for you. Your primary care provider can also be a good resource if you're unsure what treatment options might be available.

How do I admit myself to a mental health hospital?

Most mental health hospitals require a referral from a healthcare professional or a mental healthcare team (like a community outreach team).

In other words, to get admitted to a mental health hospital - even voluntarily - you'll usually need to talk to a healthcare professional first. This could be your psychiatrist or primary care provider. If appropriate, they can refer you to a mental health hospital or, in some cases, admit you themselves.

Some psychiatric hospitals have their own intake centers. This means you can see a mental health professional at the hospital who may be able to admit you directly to the facility. If you're interested in a certain hospital, call to check if this is an option.

Another possibility is to go to the emergency room, especially if you need help right away. The team there will evaluate you and decide if you need to stay in the hospital - just like they would with any other mental or physical health condition.

What about involuntary hospitalization for mental health reasons?

Sometimes people are involuntarily committed to the hospital due to mental health concerns. This can happen if you're deemed to be a danger to yourself or others. The exact criteria for involuntary hospitalization varies from state to state.

Involuntary hospitalization can be a controversial topic and requires different considerations than a voluntary stay. That's why, in this post, we're focusing on what to expect if you voluntarily admit yourself to a mental health hospital.

What's generally offered at mental health inpatient programs?

Mental health hospitals and inpatient programs offer structured 24-hour care for people with severe mental health conditions. While some factors may differ, most inpatient programs offer similar types of treatments and programs.

One of the first things you'll do at the hospital is an intake assessment with a staff member. They'll gather information about what you're experiencing and what led you to go to the hospital. You may also be seen by a mental health professional and have your blood work done.

Once your intake is complete, you can begin participating in the hospital's treatment offerings, including:

• Medication management

• Case management and care coordination services

• Group therapy

• Educational meetings on coping skills and other tools to support your mental health

• Recreation activities like exercise, meditation, and art therapy

• Family therapy sessions

• One-on-one therapy sessions

Keep in mind that even when you're there voluntarily, mental health hospitals do have restrictions. You're required to stay in your wing or unit unless you're given permission to leave. The times you're able to go outside are very strict, and you'll follow a structured schedule. Hospital staff will check on you regularly around the clock, sometimes as often as every 15 minutes.

Other restrictions can include:

• The types of clothing you're able to wear

• Which personal belongings you can bring with you

• Cell phone access

If I voluntarily admit myself to a psychiatric hospital, can I leave whenever I want?

Voluntarily admitting yourself to a mental health hospital doesn't mean you can check out whenever you want. Depending on your situation, you and your treatment team will decide the best time for you to leave the hospital. If you want to leave the hospital early, you can request an early discharge.

"If you come in on a voluntary basis seeking treatment, you have the right to leave on your own within a reasonable time frame," Dr. Stowell said. "Unfortunately, television and the movies give a wrong portrayal of mental health hospitals where it seems that it's impossible to leave."

Each state has its own rules and regulations about your rights when you voluntarily go to a psychiatric hospital. Once you request to leave, a mental health professional will likely evaluate your safety before giving the go-ahead to send you home.

Usually, the only time you will be denied a request to leave is if you present a clear danger to yourself or others. This usually means you're experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or urges to hurt others.

How long do inpatient mental health stays typically last?

The goal of a hospital stay is to keep you safe, stabilize your symptoms, and help you set up ongoing care. Voluntary stays in the hospital tend to be short. On average, they're between 3 and 10 days.

"Inpatient therapy is brief," Stowell said. "It's a start, a place to learn to manage those ongoing stressors in life. From there, you can continue that learning process in an outpatient setting."

How much does it cost to stay at a mental health hospital?

Depending on your location and the facility, an inpatient stay at a mental health hospital often exceeds $1,000 a day.

Mental health hospitalizations are typically covered by insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans. With Medicare, you pay your Part A deductible (which is $1,632 in 2024) for the first 60 days in the hospital, then 20% of the cost for services provided by healthcare professionals while you're there. Medicaid typically covers all, or nearly all, of the cost. Your cost-sharing with commercial insurance will depend on the benefits of your health plan.

Consumers can find out cash prices in advance because of federal hospital price transparency rules. Locating this information became even easier in 2024 when hospitals were required to have links on their websites to take shoppers to standard charges. For many psychiatric hospitals, this information includes self-pay prices (with any discounts for paying cash) and negotiated insurance rates - which tend to be lower. These amounts can be found by clicking buttons on the facility websites that show charges or automatically download spreadsheets outlining services and prices.

Below are some standard rates for selected mental health hospitals across the country. It's important to note that these standard rates for psychiatric hospitalizations include room and board. But they may not reflect charges for mental health services or other care you may receive.

Can you admit yourself to a mental health hospital without insurance?

Yes, you can admit yourself voluntarily to a mental health hospital - with or without insurance coverage.

But the question is: How much will you have to pay? It's hard to say. The amount you're responsible for may depend on:

• Your financial resources

• Whether or not you qualify for financial assistance

• Which state you live in

• Where you're hospitalized

For example, many states have public psychiatric hospitals where you might be able to stay for a reduced cost or for free. Some private hospitals offer low-cost or free services, too. Most hospitals offer payment plans, financial assistance, or sliding scale fees for people who don't have insurance.

If you're considering a hospital stay - and don't have insurance - reach out to the hospital directly. They can help you understand your options before you're admitted.

What to pack when you go to a mental health hospital

Every hospital has different rules about what you can bring with you during your stay. If you're able to plan ahead, most hospitals publish a list online of what you can and can't bring. You can also call the hospital to ask what's best to pack.

In general, you'll need several changes of clothing. Some hospitals have laundry facilities. Don't forget to bring essentials like:

• Pajamas

• Underwear

• Socks

• Toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap (check with your hospital to see what else is allowed)

You'll also want to have some administrative info with you when you check in, including:

• Your health insurance card

• A list of the medications and dosages you take

• Contact information for all of your existing healthcare team

• Emergency contact information

You may want to bring slip-on shoes since some hospitals ask you to remove any shoelaces. Sometimes you'll need special permission for medical equipment - such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea.

Most hospitals don't allow electronic devices like phones and tablets. They feel that making or receiving calls or texts can distract you from treatment. In some cases, it can be therapeutic to get separation from your phone and the internet.

Most hospitals also don't allow anything sharp or potentially dangerous. Restricted items may include:

• Razors

• Nail clippers

• Scissors

• Belts

• Shoelaces and strings

Hospital staff will review what you brought when you arrive. Anything you're not allowed to have will be securely stored and given back to you when you check out.

What happens after you leave a mental health hospital?

Just because you're leaving the hospital doesn't mean your mental health treatment will end.

Before you're discharged from the hospital, your treatment team will work with you to build a plan for after your stay.

Your discharge or aftercare plan may include things like:

• Transition to residential treatment

• Partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs

• Psychotherapy (sometimes more frequently than before you were hospitalized)

• Medication management

• Stable housing

• Work or school programs

The first few weeks at home can be an adjustment. Even after a handful of days in an inpatient setting, returning to a normal routine takes time. Getting a good night's sleep in your own bed may be difficult, and you might feel lonely.

If you're struggling, it's important to reach out to your therapist or loved ones for extra support. Research shows there's an increased risk for suicide following discharge from the hospital. Make sure to have a plan in place for your safety once you're home. If you're experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 support.

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