Preparing for inpatient mental health treatment marks the beginning of a dedicated focus on well-being and recovery. While each facility has specific regulations, common standards are enforced to maintain a secure and therapeutic environment. This guide provides generally accepted information to ensure comfort and safety, allowing you to focus fully on the healing process. Adhering to these guidelines helps streamline the admission process.
Essential Documents for Admission
The intake process requires documentation to establish identity, medical necessity, and payment arrangements. A government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, is mandatory for identity verification. You will also need to present your medical and pharmacy insurance cards to facilitate billing and medication coverage.
It is helpful to bring any pre-authorization paperwork or referral documents provided by your physician or insurance company to confirm coverage. A written list of all current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dosage and frequency, is necessary for the medical team. Finally, have a contact list ready with phone numbers for emergency contacts, your primary care provider, and any outpatient mental health specialists.
Approved Personal and Comfort Items
Most facilities permit a limited amount of personal items, focusing on modesty and safety. Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as sweatpants, t-shirts, and sweaters, typically enough for three to five days, as laundry facilities are often available. Layered clothing is a good choice because unit temperatures can fluctuate, but all items must be free of drawstrings, belts, or long ties that could pose a safety risk.
Footwear should consist of slip-on shoes or slippers without laces; staff will often remove laces upon admission. Underwire bras are frequently prohibited because the metal can be considered a sharp object, so comfortable sports bras or wire-free options are recommended. Jewelry should be minimal, generally limited to a plain wedding band or stud earrings, as other items are typically secured during the stay.
When packing hygiene products, select only alcohol-free items contained in plastic bottles, as glass containers and aerosol cans are prohibited. Common items like mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and perfumes often contain alcohol and must be left at home. While some facilities provide basic toiletries, you can bring your own plastic-bottled shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Razors are a specific safety concern; personal razors are typically not allowed, but some hospitals dispense disposable or electric razors under staff supervision. For comfort, you can usually bring a limited amount of reading material, such as paperback books or magazines. Journals or notebooks with metal spiral bindings are restricted due to ligature risk, so choose hardbound or composition-style books instead.
Safety Regulations: What Must Stay Home
The primary purpose of the restrictions is to eliminate anything that could be used for self-harm, harm to others, or escape. Sharp objects, including knives, scissors, mirrors, and anything made of glass, are strictly prohibited due to the potential for breakage or use as a weapon. This prohibition extends to items like spiral notebooks and glass perfume bottles.
Items posing a ligature or strangulation risk are universally banned. These items include:
- Belts, scarves, neckties, and ropes.
- Clothing with long drawstrings (hoodies may be prohibited or have drawstrings cut).
- Shoelaces (removed upon arrival).
- Long electrical cords, such as those for chargers, which may be restricted and managed by staff.
Electronics are highly restricted to maintain patient confidentiality and promote focus on treatment. Cell phones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches must stay home. Devices with cameras or recording capabilities are generally forbidden, though some facilities may allow pre-approved, non-internet-enabled music players.
Outside food, drinks, and all forms of tobacco products, lighters, and matches are not permitted to prevent contraband introduction and fire hazards. Upon arrival, all personal belongings will undergo a thorough search by staff, and any item deemed unsafe will be securely stored until discharge.