Last Updated on June 3, 2023

There are times when a man who has depression desires care in a mental health facility. But the fact that such hospitalization is about to occur can be scary and unnerving.

Comprehending Inpatient Depression Treatment

Somebody who enters an inpatient treatment facility is typically someone who cannot provide self-care or is suspected of being a risk to himself or others.

In certain circumstances, the individual might be so depressed that a physician or loved one will need to step in until he can resume making decisions, to direct the patient’s attention. When the individual is a risk to himself or others, he might be subjected to what is known as an involuntary commitment, in which even an associate of the law enforcement community or a doctor decides your family member needs hospitalization.

This may be an emotionally charged time for you personally and the patient. Fortunately, you can find organizations that can assist you to get through the process. Carole Szpak is the manager of operations and communications for the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems in Washington, D.C., an organization that lists inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment facilities, and represents various hospitals and treatment centers in the United States. One organization that may help, Szpak says, is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This group is geared to the customer and runs a helpline along with self-help groups all over the nation. “NAMI is a great resource for families, to learn where to go within local communities,” she says.

Inpatient Depression Treatment: Selecting a Facility

There are different types of inpatient treatment centers: hospitals for 24-hour attention, facilities with daytime or partial hospitalization, and residential treatment facilities. To evaluate the options, it can be useful to ask the following questions:

• Is it true that the facility specialize in virtually any particular sicknesses?
• Do they treat other illnesses if needed?
• Who will evaluate the individual on entrance?
• Will this individual continue treating the patient?
• When will the first appraisal occur?
• Is it possible to talk to the patient’s therapist?
• How often will the patient be seen by the therapist, doctor, or other staff members?
• Are visitors allowed?
• How long will the patient be in the facility?
• What kinds of treatment or activities will the patient will likely be required in?
• Are there group therapies?
• Which personal things, if any, may be brought from home?
• Who’ll make the decision for discharge?

Inpatient Depression Treatment: Paying for It

Call your insurance company and also speak to the administrator of your preferred facility to go over coverage. You will need to be aware of whether the facility accepts your insurance, and if that’s the case, what it does and doesn’t insure. You may also want to ask:

• If your loved one will not be covered at a particular facility, what treatments will your insurance cover?
• Do you know the prices associated with doctors, therapists, caretakers?
• When you’ll be charged?
• Can particular payment arrangements be made?

Inpatient Depression Treatment: At Discharge

To make the transition back home as worry-free as possible, you will need to know what exactly is to be anticipated from the patient (can they go back to school or work?) and what adjustments will the family have to make (should the family attend a support group?). Ask about any special programs for drugs or treatment. In case medications that are new are being taken by the patient, find out about dosages negative effects, as well as other important information — for example, if they are habit-forming when they are taken, or need special considerations.

Inpatient treatment for depression could be the very best course of therapy at certain time for the own loved one, but it could however take a significant emotional toll. If you recognize this treatment will assist and feel assured in the facility’s capability to look after the one you love, your loved ones as well as you will all benefit. And remember that help is there for you as well, if you need anyone to speak to or lean on during this difficult time. Do not hesitate to reach out to those who’ve had to make the same difficult decisions you’re facing.