How to Get a Depressed Person Into a Psychiatric Hospital

Depression is estimated to affect 14 to 20 million Americans each year. Depression can be a devastating experience for the person who suffers from it. It is also challenging for friends and family who witness the struggles of their loved one. Most people respond to outpatient treatment and are able to deal with their depression.

Hospitalization can become necessary if the person's depression is severe or resistant to treatment, the person is unable to care for his or her self or if there is a risk of self-harm. People can benefit from the more intensive treatments provided in hospitals. Many find support from staff and other patients beneficial, and many depressed people feel relief in being removed from the environment and the stress that maintains their depression.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance card/Insurance phone number
• Phone
• Pen or Pencil
• Paper
• Phonebook or Computer with internet access

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Instructions

Evaluate the Situation and Obtain Agreement to the Hospitalization

• 1

  Talk with the depressed person and, if possible, with his or her psychiatrist, counselor, therapist or physician. Determine and establish a consensus that the person would benefit from hospitalization (see Reference 1).

• 2

  Discuss how they can try it for a few days. If they want out and they are not a danger to themselves or to someone else, the hospital must release them within 2 to 7 days, depending on state law. They can petition to be released "against medical advice" even if hospital staff believes the person poses a risk to self or others. There would be a legal hearing to determine if they pose a risk.

• 3

  Obtain the person's verbal agreement to voluntarily go into the hospital.

Determine If Involuntary Hospitalization is Necessary

• 4

  If the person refuses to consider hospitalization, consult with the person's physician, psychiatrist or therapist. Most states allow a parent or custodial person to hospitalize a child under the age of 16 against the child's will. If the person is over the age of 16 and is not willing to check into the hospital voluntarily, there are conditions where an involuntary hospitalization can be compelled.

  Most states have provisions that mandate hospitalization if the person poses imminent risk to self or to others or is unable to take care of his or her self. If a person expresses suicidal thoughts, has a plan and expresses intent to carry it out, this usually warrants hospitalization (see Reference 2).

• 5

  Be prepared to provide statements or evidence of the person's imminent risk of harm. Most states will require a legal hearing within 24 to 48 hours to prove the person is a danger to self or to others.

• 6

  If the person clearly needs to be hospitalized immediately, call 911.

Determine Where to Go and Prepare for the Hospitalization

• 7

  Call the person's health insurance company. Inquire about: (a) coverage of psychiatric hospitalization, (b) required procedures, such as preauthorization and (c) limitations. For example, some insurances limit coverage to particular hospitals.

• 8

  Once you know what hospitals will be covered by the insurance, call the appropriate local psychiatric hospitals. You can look up "Psychiatric Hospitals" in the phonebook or Google "psychiatric hospitals near [your city]." Get recommendations from the person's psychiatrist, therapist or physician. Confirm that the hospital (a) takes the insurance and (b) has beds available. Arrange for a time for the intake.

• 9

  Help the person pack. Have them take a few personal items, but nothing too valuable. Pack identification, insurance information, 5 to 7 days worth of comfortable clothes, personal hygiene and grooming items and reading material.

• 10

  Make arrangements for the person to be away for 3 to 10 days. They should let their employer know they will not be in for work because they are going into the hospital. They do not have to disclose the reason for the hospitalization. Arrange for someone to care for their pets, if applicable.

• 11

  Drive the person to the hospital. Accompany them into the hospital. Be supportive.