Can You Check Yourself Into a Psychiatric Hospital?

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, you might have wondered, “Can you check yourself into a psychiatric hospital?” The answer is yes. If you feel the need for inpatient care, you can choose to admit yourself voluntarily.

In this article, we’ll discuss when you might need psychiatric hospitalization. We’ll also explain the admission process and what inpatient care is like, so you know what to expect. 

Can You Check Yourself Into a Psychiatric Hospital?

If you voluntarily admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital, this means that you are choosing to admit yourself. This differs from an involuntary admission. In that case, people are admitted against their will.

This happens when they can't seek mental health support by themselves, when it's unsafe for them to stay in the community, or when their safety is at risk. With a voluntary psychiatric admission, you might choose to go to the hospital on your own. Or, your doctor or a mental health professional might recommend that you seek inpatient treatment. 

Some people worry about going into a psychiatric hospital because TV and movies can make it seem like it’s difficult to get out if you check yourself in. But, most of the time, if you check yourself in, you’ll be able to check yourself out. The only reason that this right might be taken away is if a person’s mental health care team believes they are a serious, immediate threat to themselves or others.

Voluntary psychiatric admission patients also have the right to receive information about any tests and treatments, and to learn about their benefits and risks. They are also able to refuse treatment.

When Someone Might Require Psychiatric Hospitalization

Sometimes, outpatient care isn’t enough, or someone is experiencing a mental health crisis that requires more care. They might even feel out of control and want to seek inpatient care to feel safe and secure until these symptoms subside.

Mental Health Crises That Require Inpatient Care

Most mental health issues can be treated as an outpatient, but sometimes, mental health crises require inpatient care.

Situations where impatient care might be needed include:

• Suicidal thoughts and plans: People who have psychiatric symptoms, people with psychosis or bipolar disorder can experience suicidal thoughts. If someone has a plan, feels like they might take action, or has a history of suicide attempts, inpatient care is a safe option.
• Severe depression or anxiety: If anxiety or depression becomes severe, people may struggle to care for themselves. In some cases, they might even pose a danger to themselves or others. When this happens, hospitalization may be necessary. 
• Psychotic symptoms: Psychotic symptoms, like seeing or hearing things that aren’t real or believing things that aren’t true, can put people’s safety at risk. 
• Mania: Mania is a period that is associated with a euphoric mood. Along with this, it can cause impulsivity, irritability, and racing thoughts. Sometimes, this can put the individual or others at risk. 
• Substance use complications: Sometimes, using substances can cause suicidal thoughts, violent thoughts, or even psychosis. Because this can put people at risk to themselves or others, inpatient treatment can keep them safe until their symptoms stabilize.

When Outpatient Treatment Isn’t Enough

In some cases, your doctor or mental health team might recommend that you go to inpatient treatment. If your symptoms are getting worse despite outpatient care, or you find it difficult to keep up with your daily responsibilities because of your symptoms, inpatient treatment can be helpful.

Safety considerations are also important to keep in mind. If you are posing a threat to yourself or others, have difficulty taking care of your basic needs, or don’t have a safe, stable environment at home, inpatient treatment might be suggested.

How the Process Works

Checking yourself in for voluntary inpatient treatment can feel scary and overwhelming. In this section, we’ll go over what to expect to help you feel more comfortable.

Going to the Emergency Room

For people who feel that they are in need of immediate help, the emergency room can provide this. If you’re unable to drive yourself there or you feel unsafe doing so, you can call 911.

In the emergency room, they’ll check you for any physical issues to make sure you’re physically stable. A mental health professional will then perform a mental health evaluation to better understand what’s going on. This involves answering questions like:

• What brought you to the hospital today?
• What symptoms are you experiencing?
• Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself or others?
• How is your appetite, energy, and sleep?
• Do you have a history of mental health issues?
• Are you receiving any treatment for mental health issues?
• Do you have any concerns about your safety?
• What does your living environment look like? How about your support system?
• Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?
• Have you ever experienced anything like this before? If so, what did you do in this situation?

The decision to admit a person to inpatient psychiatric care depends on:

• If there is a safety risk
• If the person is having trouble caring for themselves
• The person’s access to a support system
• How well any outpatient treatment is working
• Current symptoms
• Any past hospitalizations

Inpatient care isn’t always the best choice for everyone. For those who need extra help but not full inpatient care, crisis services or partial hospitalization may be suggested.

Direct Admission to Psychiatric Units

If you think you need inpatient care but it's not an emergency, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. They can make a referral for inpatient psychiatric treatment. 

In some cases, your mental health team might also recommend that you seek inpatient care. This includes if you're making big changes to your treatment, like adjusting your medications, that need close monitoring. If this is the case, you can be directly admitted to the psychiatric unit.

What Happens During a Psychiatric Stay

Along with thinking about the admissions process, it’s normal to wonder about what happens during a psychiatric stay. It is usually a safe, controlled, and structured environment that allows you to focus on your mental health. 

The Treatment Environment

In a psychiatric hospital, you’ll work with some different people. These include:

• Internal medicine doctors
• Nurses
• Psychiatrists
• Clinical psychologists
• Social workers
• Rehabilitation and activity therapists

This team will help assess how you’re doing, including making a diagnosis. They’ll work with you to identify personal goals and develop a plan for your ongoing care. Most psychiatric hospital treatment involves medications. Doctors and nurses will administer and adjust the doses of these medications, as well as monitor you for any potential side effects.

Days in the psychiatric hospital usually follow a set schedule. This helps to create stability and can reduce stress. While days might look different from hospital to hospital, schedules usually include:

• Individual therapy sessions to learn strategies and coping methods to help you reach your goals. 
• Group therapy sessions to learn more about your condition and recovery, and connect with others who have had similar experiences. Group sessions can also provide you with a chance to practice coping skills.
• Meetings with psychiatrists to monitor medications.
• Time for meals.
• Group activities, such as exercise, meditation, and art therapy.
• Visiting hours, although the days and times can differ by hospital.
• Time for personal care and rest.

Preparing for Admission

Preparing for admission can seem overwhelming, but knowing what to bring and expect can help reduce anxiety. It’s also important to note that the goal of inpatient care is to stabilize your symptoms as quickly as possible so that you’re able to safely return home. On average, most people admitted for psychiatric care stay between 3 and 10 days. 

What to Bring and Expect

Psychiatric hospitals have certain restrictions and rules. These are designed to keep you and other patients safe. Items that are usually restricted include:

• Sharp objects, like scissors, tweezers, and razors.
• Items that could be used for self-harm, such as belts, necklaces, charging cables, and shoelaces.
• Electronics, such as laptops and tablets (some hospitals may allow the use of electronics but restrict them to certain hours).
• Outside food and drink.
• Large amounts of money.

If you do happen to bring something that is restricted, it’ll be stored safely for you and returned to you when you are discharged. To help keep you as comfortable as possible, you may wish to consider packing:

• Comfortable clothing, without any belts or drawstrings.
• Pajamas without drawstrings.
• Slippers and/or slip-on shoes.
• Personal care products, including shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, lotion, and lip balm.
• Foam earplugs for more comfortable sleep.
• Medications in their original pharmacy bottles.
• Identification and insurance cards.
• Contact information for friends and family members.
• Small amount of money for vending machines, if available.
• Softcover books or journals, if permitted.

Informing Family and Work

It is up to you to decide whom you tell about your hospitalization. You can give as many or as few details as you would like.

Some people prefer to just share that they are in the hospital for mental health treatment, whereas others feel comfortable sharing more specific details about their diagnosis. If you have children or pets, do your best to arrange for their care before your stay. If you are unable to do so, there will be a social worker available at the hospital to help you.

If you're working, tell your employer you need protected medical leave. You don’t have to share details about your condition. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives you up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. This leave protects your job and can be used for serious medical issues, including mental health conditions. Your employer may also offer mental health leave benefits or short-term disability benefits that you can take advantage of. 

After Discharge: Continuing Care

When you’re discharged, it demonstrates that you’re able to care for yourself and keep yourself safe. However, an important part of caring for yourself is continuing long-term treatment. The hospital will have a discharge plan for you to help you do this. This includes keeping your doctor’s appointments, taking your medications as prescribed, and practicing healthy habits like getting enough sleep.

It can sometimes be difficult to transition from the structured environment of the hospital to home. Keeping a routine, like a set bedtime and mealtimes, can help make this transition easier. When you are in the hospital, you are also usually with other people, such as having a roommate or participating in group activities.

Creating a support network in your daily life can help ensure that you have continued support and encouragement. This support network can include your mental health care team, friends and family members, and peers from support groups. 

Bottom Line

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, it can feel scary and overwhelming. You might wonder about checking yourself into a psychiatric hospital so that you can feel safe and supported. Doing this can help stabilize your symptoms and create a long-term treatment plan so that you’re able to feel more balanced.

If you’ve experienced a mental health crisis before, then you might feel worried about having another one. Working with your mental health team, as well as taking advantage of crisis resources, outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, and virtual crisis clinics like Willow Health can help prevent and manage future mental health crises. 

Resources for Ongoing Recovery

Disclosing to Others

How to Support Someone After Psychiatric Hospitalization

SAMSHA: Find a Support Group for Mental Health, Drugs, and Alcohol

Wellness After Hospitalization

What to Do in a Crisis

References

Ernala, S. K. (2022). The reintegration journey following a psychiatric hospitalization: A qualitative study. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 45(3), 187–195. https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000533

Glover, S. (2022, August 3). What to expect during an inpatient stay. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/people/what-to-expect-during-an-inpatient-stay/

Heslin, K. C., Elixhauser, A., & Steiner, C. A. (2015). Hospitalizations involving mental and substance use disorders among adults, 2012 (Statistical Brief #191). Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb191-Hospitalization-Mental-Substance-Use-Disorders-2012.pdf

Mental Health America. (n.d.). Hospitalization. Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/treatment-options/hospitalization/

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Navigating a mental health crisis. https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/guides/navigating-a-mental-health-crisis/

Ojo, S., Okoye, T. O., Olaniyi, S. A., Ofochukwu, V. C., Obi, M. O., Nwokolo, A. S., Okeke-Moffatt, C., Iyun, O. B., Idemudia, E. A., Obodo, O. R., Mokwenye, V. C., & Okobi, O. E. (2024). Ensuring continuity of care: Effective strategies for the post-hospitalization transition of psychiatric patients in a family medicine outpatient clinic. Cureus, 16(1), e52263. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52263

University of Utah Health. (n.d.). Signs you need to go to a hospital for a mental health crisis. Huntsman Mental Health Institute. https://healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi/treatments/hospital-inpatient-program/when-to-seek-help