Meritus Inpatient Behavioral Health
Treatment for Patients with Severe Depression or Psychosis
Mental health disorders can take a serious toll on the mind and body. When depression, psychosis, addiction, or other mental health factors reach extreme heights, the patient could be in danger of hurting themselves or others. Meritus Health has an 18-bed adult inpatient unit which admits patients 24 hours a day through the hospital's Emergency Department or by physician referral. While it is always preferred that a patient checks themselves in voluntarily, we will accept involuntary admissions when the situation is serious enough.
When is it Time for Hospitalization?
Inpatient care may be necessary for those experiencing severe impairment such as severe depression or psychosis and requiring 24-hour professional care in a structured environment. It is not always easy to know when a person is in need of hospitalization for their mental health problems.
The following are some factors that can help you make an informed decision:
- What does the patient’s primary care physician have to say?
- If they do not have a primary care physician, have they said or done anything that may indicate they will harm themselves or others?
- Have they ever received a mental health disorder diagnosis from a trustworthy medical professional?
- Is it dangerous for other members of the household for the person to continue living at home?
- What symptoms has the person displayed that make you think hospitalization is necessary?
Most people with mental health disorders do not need mental health disorders. These units are reserved for people who need constant supervision and have a difficult time functioning day to day.
We Are Here to Help
The idea of hospitalization to address a mental health disorder may sound troubling on the surface. Mental health services are often dramatized in the media and present people with misleading information.
Our goal is not to make a patient fit in with the “norms” that you or we decide, but to help them better understand themselves and address the problems that have allowed their mental illness to spiral out of control. We want our patients to reach a place of serenity and well-being that is on their terms and can help them live more independent and functional lives.
