What is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?

Inpatient mental health treatment is a lifesaving care modality that many people could benefit from –however, it is unfortunately still widely feared and misunderstood. Checking yourself into an inpatient mental health treatment program may seem like an extreme tactic, but it may be essential for your well-being when you are in crisis. If you were having a medical emergency, you would not think twice about going to a medical hospital. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking the proper treatment for your well-being is never anything to fear.

“We provide a safe, therapeutic milieu for patients to stabilize and learn coping skills so that they are able to thrive after they leave,” said Alexis Totaro, MSN, RN, WHNP-c, CARN-AP, Vice President/Administrator of Mental Health Services at Christian Health. “It can help anyone who is simply not functioning at their baseline or usual level. There is an undeserved stigma around seeking inpatient treatment – it offers patients the opportunity to be afforded a host of services, such as group therapy and medication management.”

Dispelling Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Myths

Much of the fear and stigma surrounding inpatient mental health treatment stems from the following myths.

• All those who seek inpatient treatment have a serious mental illness. Many believe only people with severe mental health problems can benefit from inpatient treatment, but that’s not at all the case. Anyone that is struggling with their mental health, even those who have never previously had mental health issues, may benefit from inpatient treatment.
• Only violent people need inpatient treatment. Most people with mental health issues, including those who seek inpatient treatment, are not violent or dangerous at all.
• Hospitalization requires an extended stay. Inpatient stays are typically not long at all and often last about a week. It can provide a much-needed break when you are feeling overwhelmed by symptoms of your mental health condition.
• Mental health hospitals are scary places. Movies and other media often unfairly depict mental health hospitals as cold, unfeeling, barren places. Inpatient treatment centers are actually very nurturing and therapeutic environments.

Who Benefits from Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?

People with many different mental health issues of varying severity can benefit from inpatient treatment, including those with:

• Issues with addiction
• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Feelings of hopelessness or loss of joy
• Inability to sleep or sleeping excessively
• OCD
• Bipolar disorders
• An acute crisis disrupting normal life and daily activities
• Prolonged and unresolved grief and grieving

Inpatient care is for anyone whose mental health symptoms become too severe to safely manage on their own. Anyone who is living with a mental health issue that is interfering with their daily life or negatively affecting their ability to function could benefit from inpatient treatment.

How Can Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Help You?

There are many ways that an inpatient mental health program can improve your mental health and help you get back to wellness.

• Improving coping skills: Through counseling and group therapy, patients can learn new ways of coping with stressors to better manage their symptoms. Sharing your experience with doctors, trained counselors, and other patients who may be struggling with the same issues will help you gain perspective and discover productive methods of dealing with your condition.
• Teaching healthier habits: Many people underestimate the significant effect that things like sleep and diet have on mental health. By checking yourself into an inpatient program, you will be guided on how to live a healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition, getting sufficient rest each night, and exercising.
• Medication management: While in inpatient treatment, your treatment plan may include being placed on medication. Doctors will monitor your symptoms and may adjust your medications or dosage to better treat you.
• Isolation from triggers: A controlled environment such as an inpatient program is beneficial for removing you from various triggers or stressors that are detrimental to your mental health. Inpatient treatment provides a peaceful, nurturing environment where you are able to breathe, relax, and focus on yourself and getting better.
• Access to support services: During inpatient treatment, you will be connected with support services that will help you continue your recovery after you are released, such as AA, bereavement groups, and partial-hospitalization programs.

Inpatient Mental Health Treatment at Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health

If you think you might benefit from a stay in an inpatient mental health treatment center, we are here to help. Our inpatient mental health hospital, Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health, is dedicated to providing loving, compassionate care to those living with a mental health issue to ensure recovery and prevent relapse.

Visit your primary provider to a request a referral for admission to our program, or please call (201) 848-5500 to make an appointment with our LiveWell Counseling center for a psychiatric evaluation.