Making the Most of Residential Mental Health Facilities

Reap the benefits of mental health residential facilities
By Gail L. Perry, Freelance Writer / MSW Life Coach Whether you are considering residential psychiatric facilities for a child, adolescent, adult or mature adult, know that a patient stay lasts three days, 30 days or more depending upon the needs of the patient and doctor recommendations. These facilities have staff on duty 24 hours a day for safety and intense therapeutic help, so that the patient becomes a productive, functioning member of the community when discharged.
 

Admitting someone to mental health residential facilities is a sign that his or her illness is unmanageable and may be a danger to self or others. Sometimes a person is just realizing he has a mental illness, has medication to adjust, or life stress has become overwhelming. No matter what the reason for seeking an inpatient mental health facility, consider the following when researching providers:

1. Find residential mental health facilities that have age appropriate programs

2. Secure residential mental health facilities with programs focused on the diagnosis

3. Locate a mental health facility close to the person's support network

Find mental health facilities that are age-appropriate

Every age has special needs, so it is important to find residential mental health facilities with programs that specialize in the proper age group. Being surrounded by health care providers and patients who are aware of age related issues increases comfort and hastens recovery, and you know the care they receive prepares them to return to work and society adequately prepared.
Try: If you, a colleague or employee wants answers regarding mental health needs, see The National Alliance on Mental Illness; they have an organization in every state. The Therapeutic Milieu has resource sites to make finding the appropriate psychiatric residential facilities easier.

Choose inpatient mental health facilities that specialize in the diagnosis

Each diagnosis carries special needs that require different care, so make sure the inpatient mental health facility specializes in treating the illness identified. If there is a dual diagnosis, it is very important to ensure the facility has the ability to treat both diagnoses concurrently. The better the facility, the more likely you, your employee or colleague can return to work ready to go.
Try: Health Grades offers more information about specific diagnoses, and WebMD is a resource for all your mental health questions from diagnosis, treatment to medications. Search Psychiatric Solutions for behavioral health programs in many U.S. states.

Locate residential mental health facilities convenient for the patient

If possible, locate a facility within a reasonable distance from the patient's support network. Behavioral health facilities and mental health hospitals that are convenient for the patient, as well as the patient's family or friends, provides a greater success rate. The patient has the opportunity to include his or her support network in therapy to ensure a strong support system upon discharge, which provides greater success.
Try: Alijor helps you find a provider according to location and diagnosis. The Joint Commission offers a search page for accredited/certified organizations.

• Treatment in a residential psychiatric facility is a positive sign that the person wants to return to a fully functioning life. Accept this as a sign that the person is responsible enough to get proper care.