Taking a loved one to a mental health facility can be a traumatic experience, especially when you are unsure about what will happen to the person during treatment. Most mental health hospitals do a fantastic job alleviating the concerns of spouses, parents, friends and others who are directly involved in the process.

In this Mental Health Guide article we will help you understand the process of entering a mental health facility. Perhaps it will address your concerns.

Intake at a Mental Health Facility

It’s possible that much of the intake process has already happened over the phone. If not, it will be done when the person arrives. If you are the parent of a minor and think your child could be suffering from a mental disorder, you will be part of this process. If you are the parent of an adult child, the spouse, partner, adult child, etc., rules will vary. Most likely, if the person entering the facility wants you to be present for support, the facility will welcome it.

During this time, basic information will be sought. The intake counselor will want to know why the person is seeking treatment. They will discuss specific symptoms that the individual has.  A general health questionnaire might be given along with a mental health questionnaire. The mental health questionnaire will help them narrow down the type of treatment you may be seeking, whether you have personality changes, severe depression, problems with substance abuse, or even an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia.

They will also collect extensive personal data, insurance information and other mundane information will be gathered.

Treatment Options will be Discussed

An important part of the intake will be determining treatment options. This will start during intake but won’t be completed until a physician has had a chance to talk with the person. Again, if you are the spouse, parent or partner of the individual seeking treatment, you might be allowed to be a part of the more thorough examination that will determine the best course of treatment.

You’ll find that most mental health professionals are very caring and compassionate. They will take the time to answer your questions and alleviate any concerns you might have.

When you are looking for a mental health facility, feel free to contact them with this very question – what can you expect when you bring a loved one to the treatment facility? Most will take the time to give you a picture of the process so you can feel comfortable with it from the beginning.