
Admission to a mental health hospital can be an emotional but necessary occurrence. Most often, someone receiving this level of treatment needs professional help with severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, the impacts of trauma, disruptive or dangerous behaviors, or other mental health needs.
It's natural for family members to have several questions prior to and during the admission process. We want to address and answer some of the questions that we typically get.
Cypress Grove-Ferriday Behavioral Health has a network of professionals serving youth ages 5 to 17. Our skilled admissions and clinical teams work to ensure each child has a successful treatment outcome with the goal of having each patient stable for discharge upon leaving our care.
Answer: In most cases the admission process begins with a visit to a local hospital emergency room where the ER Physician will make a determination that acute hospitalization is needed for the child or adolescent. This is normally due to self-harming thoughts or thoughts of harming others that are conveyed to the ER Doctor. This can trigger the Physician’s Emergency Certificate being issued which is a legally binding 72-hour stay at a licensed Psychiatric Acute Care Hospital such as Cypress Grove or Ferriday Behavioral Health Hospital.
Answer: The child will be checked in after being moved from the ambulance. A nursing assessment is the first thing that happens and the child is assigned a room at the facility. A nurse normally will call parents to let them know their child has arrived safely. A Psycho-Social is conducted (an evaluation of an individual's mental health and social well-being). It assesses self-perception and the individual's ability to function in society. A Psychological evaluation is also done under the direction of our Chief Psychiatrist, Therapists are also involved with the child and an individualized treatment plan is enacted to treat specific acute issues which led to the child being hospitalized.
Answer: Length of stay is different for each child and depends on their individual treatment needs. In many cases, a child receiving care with us will stay 4 to 8 days. Our goal is to help the child stabilize and return home as soon as safely possible, equipped with the skills, support, and resources they need to continue treatment in their community. Our staff works with each child’s family to create a discharge/aftercare plan and coordinate follow-up care in their local community.
Answer: We know that it is difficult to imagine your child staying in a psychiatric hospital, but it can be the best and safest place for children and teens who are going through a mental health crisis. Our clinical staff team is passionate about their work and committed to providing the highest quality care for each child who comes to us for help.
Please limit your clothing to three (3) changes of clothing. A washer and dryer are available in each residential unit to wash clothes as necessary. Casual clothing is recommended.
Cypress Grove and Ferriday Behavioral Hospitals are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. We ask that you refrain from bringing valuable items to the hospital.
Please provide a list of your current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, including dosages and frequency. Our staff will check with the nursing or pharmacy unit to see if your medications are in stock. If we are not able to provide your prescription, your supply may be sent from home.
Please browse and google the following sites for more information and downloads that can inform and educate you and your family about mental health issues on a national scale.