Yes, you can admit yourself to a mental hospital through a process known as voluntary admission. This option is available when an individual recognizes the need for intensive mental health care that cannot be safely managed in an outpatient setting. Voluntary admission provides a pathway to stabilization when you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as overwhelming suicidal thoughts, acute psychosis, or an inability to safely care for yourself.
Voluntary Admission Versus Involuntary Commitment
The distinction between voluntary admission and involuntary commitment lies in who initiates the hospitalization and the patient’s legal rights during the stay. Voluntary admission is entirely patient-driven, requiring the person to be 16 years or older and capable of providing informed consent for treatment. You willingly sign paperwork agreeing to the hospitalization, confirming your ability to understand the treatment and assent to remaining in the facility.
In contrast, involuntary commitment is initiated by a third party, such as a physician, law enforcement, or family member, under a court order or legal hold. This status is reserved for individuals who meet specific legal criteria, typically defined as posing an imminent danger to themselves or others, or being gravely disabled due to their mental illness. State laws govern these criteria and the process, with many jurisdictions using a temporary hold, often 72 hours, for an urgent psychiatric evaluation.
The Process of Self-Admission
The process of self-admission begins with recognizing the need for 24-hour care and making initial contact with a healthcare provider or facility. This contact can be made by calling a crisis line, speaking with a current therapist or doctor, or presenting directly to a hospital emergency room. The emergency department or a dedicated crisis response center is often the entry point for an immediate assessment.
A thorough clinical evaluation is mandatory to determine if inpatient care is medically necessary and the appropriate level of treatment. This assessment is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a crisis team and reviews your mental health history, current symptoms, and risk factors. The facility must agree that your symptoms are severe enough to require stabilization and cannot be managed safely in a less restrictive environment.
Once the clinical team determines that inpatient treatment is suitable, the intake process moves to paperwork. You will sign voluntary admission forms, sometimes referred to as a “201” form, which confirm your consent to treatment and acknowledge your rights as a voluntary patient. Only after the necessary forms are signed and an available bed is secured will you be officially placed on a psychiatric unit.
Patient Rights and Requesting Voluntary Discharge
One of the most significant rights retained by a voluntarily admitted patient is the ability to request discharge. If you decide you wish to leave the facility, you must submit a formal written request to the treatment team, sometimes called a “written notice to leave” or a “3-day letter.”
Upon receiving this written notice, the hospital has a specific period, commonly 72 business hours, to respond. During this time, the psychiatric team will conduct a thorough re-evaluation. The hospital must either discharge you or, if the clinical team determines you meet the legal criteria for involuntary commitment (danger to self or others), they must initiate involuntary proceedings. If they seek to hold you involuntarily, they must apply to a judge for authorization, and you will be advised of your right to a prompt hearing.
As a voluntary patient, you also retain the right to refuse specific medications or therapies, a right often restricted for involuntary patients. However, the continued refusal of all recommended care may prompt the treatment team to re-evaluate your voluntary status. Your legal rights are outlined in a document you receive upon admission.
Practical Logistics Before Seeking Help
Before traveling to a facility, check the financial aspects of your admission. You should contact your insurance provider to confirm that the hospital is an in-network facility and to understand your financial responsibilities, such as deductibles and co-pays. Many hospitals employ financial counselors who can assist with verifying coverage or establishing payment arrangements if you are uninsured.
When preparing for your stay, bring personal identification, your insurance card, and a comprehensive list of all current medications, including dosages. Most psychiatric units have strict safety protocols regarding personal belongings. Items typically prohibited, as they can pose a safety risk, include:
- Belts
- Shoelaces
- Drawstrings
- Glass containers
- Metal objects
- Electronics or cell phones
It is helpful to arrange for the care of any dependents or pets before you leave. If you are employed, you may need to notify your employer, though you are not legally required to disclose that the hospitalization is for mental health treatment.