Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Serves as a Lifeline During a Mental Health Crisis

When a person is in the intense situation of experiencing a mental health crisis, they need instant, professional support to break free. Inpatient mental health treatment can be an ideal solution: a structured 24/7 care program that is designed to address the immediate symptoms and stabilize the patient as quickly as possible.

While inpatient care isn’t the right solution for every person, our team is here to help you determine if this treatment program is right for you. Inpatient services are often recommended for patients suffering from severe depression, psychosis, extreme anxiety, suicidal ideation, or a combination of multiple mental health issues.

During this window of a severe mental health episode, the patient and other people around them can be at risk. There are times when outpatient care just doesn’t provide enough support, which is why the family should seriously consider inpatient treatment as a critical intervention.

Crisis Stabilization Through Immediate, Professional Support

An estimated 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness. For many people, outpatient treatment is sufficient, such as weekly therapy sessions and/or medication management. Mental health treatment is becoming more mainstream, and as awareness is raised, more people are seeking help when they need it. But if the symptoms are severe, general mental health treatments aren’t enough – some patients need more intensive services.

The benefit of visiting an inpatient facility is that our team of healthcare professionals is equipped to provide immediate, intensive care. We have years of experience working with patients in these critical conditions. Our on-demand services can stabilize patients with severe symptoms, with the goal of preventing further emotional or physical harm.

Crisis stabilization often requires 24/7 medical and therapeutic support. During this time, it isn’t safe for the patient to be left alone. They need constant monitoring, medication management, and therapeutic interventions to get out of crisis mode.

The reality is that rapid intervention during a mental health crisis could save a person’s life. They need professional help when the symptoms become unmanageable and pose a threat. Our approach to help with stabilization includes immediate relief from harmful thoughts and behaviors. By creating a pause in the behavior, we can assess the situation and then design a personalized treatment plan to help each patient regain control over their life once again.

Ensuring Safety During a Crisis

From the moment a patient steps through the door, our team at First Light Recovery offers a safe, structured, and controlled environment that promotes healing and stabilization. This environment has been carefully designed to be free of external triggers to avoid causing the patient’s condition to worsen.

The value of being in a structured environment is that some of the most dangerous behaviors relating to severe mental health conditions are closely monitored and prevented: substance abuse, self-harm, and more.

Our inpatient care program includes daily routines, including therapy sessions, group meetings, and activities that are designed to promote mental health.

As a person steps away from their daily stressors at home and work, they are able to focus entirely on their mental health. We support healing and growth in this treatment program, helping to rebuild the foundation that each person needs before they step back into the real world again.

Individualized Care Tailored to Your Unique Needs

At First Light Recovery, we are proud to offer comprehensive services that can be custom-designed based on the individual needs of each patient. We use both evidence-based treatments and holistic solutions to help our patients find healing and personal growth:

These personalized treatment plans address each person’s needs, helping them uncover more about the root causes of their crisis. We provide a safe and supportive environment where each person can work through their traumas and start to heal, creating a groundwork that leads to a thriving life in the future.

Not only does each patient receive an initial evaluation and personalized treatment plan, but ongoing assessments are used to make adjustments as needed. Our team of mental health experts monitor each patient’s progress during their stay, and fine-tune the treatments in order to achieve the optimal results possible. 

Why Inpatient Mental Health Treatment is Critical for Long-Term Recovery

While inpatient care can be helpful for managing an immediate crisis, controlling the urgent symptoms is just the tip of the iceberg. We recognize the importance of getting a patient out of the crisis so they can continue their healing going forward.

A good inpatient care program creates a stable foundation that each person can use to support their long-term recovery. It can be the inflection point that leads you to a healthier and happier life.

As each patient is spending time in the immersive environment in our inpatient program, they practice coping strategies, learn healthy habits, and gain a deeper understanding of their mental health condition. We equip each person with these skills and information so they can be empowered when leaving the inpatient program.

Finishing treatment at an inpatient facility doesn’t mean that the patient’s healing journey is over. Our team provides transition support into an integrated aftercare program, ensuring that each person has continued care as they return home. These outpatient referrals are familiar with our practices and treatment programs. 

The goal is to create the smoothest transition possible, which helps to reduce the likelihood of relapse in the future. These outpatient providers are proactive about relapse prevention, helping patients maintain the necessary skills and stability as they step back into their normal family, career, and social responsibilities once again.

Inpatient Care is the Ideal Solution During a Mental Health Crisis

There are distinct differences when you compare inpatient care with outpatient services. While outpatient is effective for some patients, these less-structured programs often lack the intensive support that is necessary for patients in the midst of a severe mental health crisis.

With inpatient care, we can help each patient find immediate relief so they can stabilize as soon as possible. These prompt interventions help to prevent an escalation of mental health issues, which reduces the risk of more dangerous behaviors.

One patient, a 32-year-old woman, struggled with suicidal thoughts and severe depression. As her mental health continued to decline, she reached out to our inpatient care program. She was immediately admitted into our 24/7 supervision and stabilized through medication management and therapy. She stayed in our facility to receive several weeks of intensive care. When she left our treatment program, she was equipped with healthier coping mechanisms, as well as a renewed sense of hope and direction. She transitioned to an outpatient program and has been able to maintain this stability for several years now.

Peace of Mind for Patients and Their Families

Not only will the patient receive immediate benefits from an inpatient care program, but these treatment solutions also offer peace of mind to concerned family members. Loved ones know that the patient is in good hands, receiving around-the-clock support in a safe and supportive environment.

It’s worth the investment to see the light come back into the person’s eyes. Mental health takes a toll on so many aspects of life, making it hard for the patient and everyone else in their vicinity. Inpatient treatment can turn things around and help the person regain control and find their sense of self once again. 

Early Intervention is Key to Long-Term Success

When it comes to mental health, you should never delay treatment. There are serious dangers that can occur if you are waiting too long to seek help. The difficult truth is that a mental health crisis can escalate quickly. Eventually, these mental health symptoms may result in self-harm, hospitalization, and/or long-term psychological damage.

The best thing you can do is watch for the early warning signs of a mental health crisis. Even though patients don’t always recognize these signs in themselves, it’s possible to identify these signs in loved ones – and help them seek treatment when it’s needed the most.

Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. Admitting that you need help is one of the strongest and most courageous steps that you can take! Inpatient care isn’t a sign of failure… it’s a necessary and important step toward recovery.

Call the Mental Health Experts at First Light Recovery

As you can see, inpatient care can be a lifeline when a mental health crisis occurs. The benefits of these immersive programs are undeniable! The patient receives immediate stabilization and 24/7 support in a safe environment. These comprehensive treatments set the stage for long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one needs mental health support, then it’s time to reach out to our team at First Light Recovery. Call us as soon as possible if a mental health crisis is occurring. We are always on call and ready to help in your time of need.Learn more about our professional facilities by contacting our experienced team at First Light Recovery.

Dr. Randall Turner First Light Recovery

Dr. Randall Turner received his medical degree from TUNCOM in Nevada and completed his Psychiatry Residency training at Loma Linda University. He’s board-certified in Psychiatry and also in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

He and his practice provide services to hospitals and institutions all over California. He has extensive experience with varied populations, including in geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine. Every day, he strives to thoroughly understand human psychology and psychopathology with the hope of relieving suffering and fostering the growth of those he treats.