What to Expect
If you or a loved one is being admitted to an inpatient behavioral health unit, you may have questions about what happens next.
During your stay, your care team will work with you to understand your needs, stabilize your symptoms, and plan for the next step in your care. This page explains what you can generally expect from admission through discharge*.
*Please note that some policies and routines may vary by location. Your care team can answer questions about the unit where you will receive treatment.
Preparing for admission
Voluntary and involuntary admission
Some patients are admitted voluntarily, while others are admitted involuntarily.
If you are admitted under a Physician’s Emergency Certificate (PEC), a clinician or healthcare professional will explain what that means and what to expect. The admission process follows state and federal law and depends on your situation.
What to bring
For safety, some personal belongings are not allowed on inpatient behavioral health units.
Review the list of permitted and restricted items before your stay. If you bring an item that isn’t permitted, staff will store it securely until you leave or it can be released to an authorized person.
What happens when you arrive
Getting settled
A member of your care team will give you a tour of the unit and your room.
For your initial assessment, you will receive hospital clothing, including scrub pants and a top. You may be able to change into your own clothes after your belongings have been reviewed for safety.
Your initial assessment
Your care team will complete a health assessment and skin check when you are admitted. This helps them understand your current health needs and identify any immediate safety concerns.
Staff will also review and document the belongings you brought with you. Items that are safe for the unit will be returned to you. If something is restricted, a staff member will explain why.
Meeting your care team
You will meet with members of your care team, which may include a social worker, counselor or therapist, as well as a doctor or advanced practice provider.
Depending on when you arrive, these assessments may happen the same day or the following day.
What to expect during your stay
Your room
Patient rooms are designed to give you as much privacy as possible. Most patients share a room with another patient.
How long you may stay
Most inpatient stays last 7 to 10 days, but your stay may be shorter or longer depending on your needs.
Your care team will talk with you regularly about your progress and when you may be ready to leave the hospital.
Staying in touch
With your permission, we can provide updates to your family, workplace and other care providers while you’re here. You decide how much information we’re allowed to share.
Language interpreter services
Interpreter services, including American Sign Language (ASL), are available at all Hartford HealthCare hospital locations. Please let your care team know if you need these services.
Meals
You will choose meals from a menu each day. A dietitian may also meet with you if you have specific nutritional needs.
Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed unless there is a specific dietary need.
Phone use
All Each unit provides access to a shared phone. Some units also allow personal cell phones during designated times.
Your care team will explain the phone policy for your unit. If personal cell phones are not permitted, they will be stored in a secure location.
Your treatment
The goal of inpatient treatment is to help stabilize your symptoms so you can safely move to the next step in your recovery.
Your symptoms may not be completely resolved by the time you leave the hospital, but your care team will work with you throughout your stay to support your progress and prepare for discharge.
Meetings with your care team
You will meet with a physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) every day to talk about your symptoms, how you’re feeling and any medications that may be part of your treatment.
You will also meet regularly with your clinician to talk about your progress and discharge plan.
Some units have recovery support specialists (RSSs) who have personal experience with mental health or substance use disorders and can provide additional support
Group therapy and activities
Group therapy is an important part of treatment on many inpatient units. These sessions may focus on understanding your condition, practicing coping strategies and learning from others with similar experiences.
Depending on the location, you may also have access to activities such as art, music, games, yoga, or mindfulness.
Your safety and privacy
A safe environment
Your safety is a priority throughout your stay. Inpatient units, including patient rooms, furniture and common areas, are all designed with your safety in mind.
Some personal items are permitted and restricted items for your safety. Review the full list of restricted items before your stay.
Emotional support
Your emotional safety matters too. A member of your care team is available if you’re feeling unsafe, overwhelmed or need someone to talk with.
Privacy
To protect your privacy, we need your written permission before sharing your medical information with friends or family.
Your care team may communicate with other healthcare providers as needed to coordinate your care.
Your rights as a patient
Your care team will provide information about your rights as a patient in a psychiatric facility.
If you feel your rights have been violated, you can contact a patient advocate or client rights officer.
View patient rights, responsibilities and privacy information
Visiting a patient
Each hospital has designated visiting hours. Visiting times and guidelines may vary by location.
If an in-person visit is not possible, your care team can help arrange a virtual visit.
Planning for discharge
Discharge planning starts early in your stay so you and your care team have time to prepare for what comes next.
Your discharge plan
Your care team will create a discharge plan based on your individual needs. Follow-up care may include outpatient treatment, individual therapy, a more structured outpatient program, or residential treatment.
Your clinician or case manager will help coordinate appropriate appointments and referrals before you leave.
If you already receive outpatient mental health care, your care team may also coordinate with them to support your transition after discharge.
Medications
Before you leave, your care team will review your medications and explain how to get them after discharge.
Prescriptions may be sent to your pharmacy, and in some cases, medications will be delivered to the unit before you leave.
Help with other needs
If you need help with concerns such as FMLA, unemployment, food assistance, disability or housing, talk with your clinician.
Depending on your needs, your outpatient case manager can also help connect you with these resources.
Locations & Visiting Hours