Inpatient hospitals are for those who are experiencing extreme mental distress, including those who are suffering from severe suicidal thoughts or psychosis and require constant medical supervision. Most people who admit to an inpatient hospital are those who are no longer able to care for themselves or those whose behavior presents a risk to themselves or others. Patients may admit voluntarily or may be enrolled involuntarily by family members, a healthcare professional, or law enforcement.
Hospitalization is the most intensive level of mental health care and is really intended to help patients stabilize and reach a point where they are no longer suicidal or psychotic. Most hospital stays are short: a few days to a few weeks. Additional care – often residential treatment or day treatment – is recommended after a stay in an inpatient hospital.