Understanding Voluntary Psychiatric Holds and What You Need to Know

Mental health challenges can pop up unexpectedly and make it difficult to handle every aspect of your life. Whether you have been dealing with mental health issues for many years or you are facing a new and acute situation, it’s critical that you seek mental health support from a trusted team.

The truth is that seeking help is one of the bravest decisions that you can make. It can be difficult to admit that you need help, but taking this step is one of the most vital choices to support your recovery. 

If you are currently experiencing a severe mental health episode, then consider the benefits of a voluntary psychiatric hold. This proactive choice is a way that you can access the care that you need, as well as stability now and in the future.

What are Voluntary Psychiatric Holds?

When you choose voluntary mental health care, then these medical services involve a self-initiated agreement that you form with the care provider. With a volunteer psychiatric hold, you will be admitted to a safe and structured setting to receive around-the-clock support from an experienced team specializing in mental health services. 

The main purpose of a voluntary psychiatric hold is to provide you with immediate stabilization. Often, severe mental health issues can pose immediate threats to the patient and other people around them. It’s critical that you receive professional care as soon as possible. This type of psychiatric treatment in Southern California can be an inflection point in your life: the starting point that helps you recover and regain control over yourself once again.

It’s important to understand the difference between a voluntary vs. involuntary hold. If a person is in a dangerous and acute mental health condition, then their doctor and/or family might impose an involuntary hold. In this situation, the patient may be resistant to the treatment, but they don’t have much choice. On the other hand, a voluntary psychiatric hold is chosen by the patient, which creates a sense of empowerment. Since it’s a voluntary hold, there is a feeling of choice and freedom in the decision. 

When Should You Consider a Voluntary Psychiatric Hold?

Each patient is unique, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every treatment plan. Sometimes, outpatient mental health support is sufficient for a patient with mild or moderate mental health symptoms. 

But there are instances when a psychiatric hold makes sense. Here are a few signs that you or a loved one might benefit from a voluntary psychiatric hold:

  • Anxiety or depression that is persistent and ongoing
  • Severe mental health symptoms
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) interfering with daily activities
  • Experiencing a trauma-related crisis
  • Struggling to cope with symptoms related to mental health
  • Need immediate support with managing mental health medications

If you can relate to any of these mental health conditions, then it’s important to keep one thing in mind: recognizing the need for help is one of the most courageous things you can do. This positive step in your life will make a big difference in helping you get back on track. Our goal is to help you find balance and stability so that you can cope with the daily stressors and responsibilities you are currently facing.

What To Expect: What Happens During a Voluntary Psychiatric Hold?

One of the reasons why people might be hesitant to seek voluntary mental health care is because they are unsure of what they will experience in this treatment setting. Rest assured knowing that our team at First Light Recovery offers a supportive and caring environment every step of the way. Here is a quick overview so that you know what to expect if you choose voluntary inpatient psychiatric treatment in Southern California:

  • Admissions: The first step is to go through the admissions process so that you can check into the facility and start receiving mental health services. This process includes an evaluation to determine the ideal treatment plan for your unique needs. We form a mutual agreement between our care team and each patient. You maintain full autonomy through this process.
  • Treatment: Once you are admitted to our care center, you start receiving immediate care and treatment. Your services are uniquely designed based on the symptoms and severity of mental health issues that need to be addressed. Typical care components often include services such as one-on-one therapy, medication management, group sessions, and holistic activities
  • Structure: Each day is structured with the best services to help you find stability and balance as soon as possible. For example, you have the opportunity to participate in structured activities and therapeutic interventions, with unstructured time for reflection and rest.

Our team at First Light Recovery has many years of experience helping patients who need mental health support. We’ve developed the ideal programs and solutions that can be catered to your unique needs. The goal is to help you achieve the best results possible so that you can transition back to your normal lifestyle once again.

The Benefits: Why It Makes Sense to Choose a Voluntary Psychiatric Hold

Is it a good idea for you to choose a voluntary psychiatric hold? Here are some of the advantages you can gain from this type of psychiatric treatment in Southern California:

  • Immediate Stabilization: The first and highest priority is helping each patient achieve fast and effective stabilization. We offer a safe environment that will minimize the risk of harm. You’ll receive the necessary support to begin your healing process right away.
  • Professional Support: Our team members are not only credentialed to offer mental health services, but they bring many years of experience to the clinic. You can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands when you are working with our team.
  • 24/7 Mental Health Services: In a voluntary psychiatric hold, you have access to expert care around the clock. These ongoing services enable you to find the ideal pathway forward in your healing process.
  • Crisis Prevention: Mental health challenges can create an undeniable threat to yourself and others. If you are currently in a crisis situation, checking into voluntary mental health care can be essential to prevent escalation.
  • Future Planning: While our inpatient mental health support focuses on immediate stabilization and care, our team understands the importance of supporting patients with the transition back to their normal way of living. We help each person develop long-term strategies so they can maintain mental wellness in the future.

Is a Voluntary Psychiatric Hold Right for You?

It might feel like a big decision to determine whether you need psychiatric treatment in Southern California. How do you decide whether you need these inpatient services or if you should seek support through an outpatient program?

If you are currently facing any thoughts of self-harm, finding it hard to manage your daily tasks, or you are living with persistent feelings of hopelessness and anxiety, then we invite you to reach out to our team. We are happy to discuss available services and evaluate your needs, helping you choose the ideal mental health services for your current situation. 

Patients who will benefit from a voluntary psychiatric hold are often experiencing insomnia, escalating stress, and uncontrollable emotional outbursts. If you are finding it difficult to establish mental and emotional stability in your life, then we encourage you to learn more about the benefits of our mental health care. First Light Recovery is always here to help!

Why First Light Recovery Stands Out in the Industry

What makes First Light Recovery different from other mental health providers in Southern California? If you have been researching your options, then you’ve likely found a seemingly endless list of providers in the local area. There are several reasons why our team at First Light Recovery is known as a preferred provider.

We focus on residential mental health care specifically, with our focus placed on compassion and personalized services for every patient. When you choose our facility, your treatment plan will be carefully designed based on your unique needs. Not only do we personalize the treatment program in the beginning, but ongoing evaluations and support are offered to adjust the treatment program as needed.

At First Light Recovery, we have experience helping with a variety of mental health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Trauma-related disorders
  • And more

In addition to evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT, we also provide medication management. Our facility focuses on empowering individuals through their healing experience, helping each person regain control and shift from surviving to thriving.

Call Us: Your First Step Toward Healing

One of the most empowering choices you will make during this challenging time is to reach out to our team to learn more about your options. We will help you determine whether a voluntary psychiatric hold is the right solution for your current condition. 

It’s important that you explore your options and talk to different providers who can help with your healing. You’ll find that our team at First Light Recovery offers compassionate and professional care, giving you the perfect place to begin your recovery journey. When you are ready to learn more about psychiatric treatment in Southern California, contact our team at First Light Recovery: (949) 326-3658.

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.