Choosing the right mental health treatment center can be a tough and important step in the treatment process. There are some important things to consider before enrolling in a psychiatric hospital to help you in your mental health journey.
Let's see the most important questions to ask mental health treatment centers before enrolling.
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| A girl and a psychiatrist at a mental health treatment center |
Four Key Questions to Ask a Mental Health Treatment Center Before You Enroll
There are many reasons that people find themselves considering mental health therapy. Life is hard and sometimes the challenges we face can be overwhelming. In addition to environmental factors, genetics play a part in the equation with inherited traits being passed on from our parents. Without regard to why you may need therapy or counseling, there are mental health treatment centers that are here to help you figure it out.
However, there are some important things to consider when choosing a hospital or facility to help you on your mental health journey. For just a few ideas on what to ask before you sign the intake papers keep reading below.
1. Are you licensed?
Each mental health treatment center should have a clinical director who is a licensed mental health professional. The director is responsible for employing a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist to review treatment plans. Psychiatric services are to be provided by licensed physicians with experience in psychiatry. Along with the Psychiatrist, psychologists should also be licensed in the field of mental health.
2. What is your treatment approach?
Ask about what type of treatment this facility can offer you. Mental health is still healthcare and you want the best possible outcome from your treatment plan. Art classes for relaxation are great stress relievers and can be beneficial, however, if you need cognitive behavioral therapy, just drawing a picture of your dog may not help you much in the long run. Therapy approaches at mental health treatment centers can be evidence-based, science-based, or a combination of the two therapies together.
3. What is the expected length of my stay?
Some programs require you to stay for an extended period of time to complete treatment. Patients with serious issues occasionally require time to adapt to new coping mechanisms and require additional support for managing life well on the outside in nonresidential programs.
Understanding the process and how long your expected stay in residential treatment will be a factor for many patients with employment issues or other personal obligations.
4. What are the financial terms?
Residential stays in mental health treatment centers are not inexpensive. Ask about what type of insurance carriers are accepted. If you have insurance coverage, call your insurance carrier to inquire about services for mental health and get approval in advance when possible. For patients with or without insurance, there are agencies that will sometimes help with a portion of your treatment. Occasionally nonprofit organizations can provide assistance. A financial counselor should be on board at the facility to help you navigate this often confusing process.
Compassionate Help Is Available
When you need the support of mental health services, it can be an uncertain and scary time. If possible, take someone who knows you well with you for comfort during intake to the facility. There is no need to suffer because compassionate help is widely available. Contact one of the many mental health treatment centers today for more information.