Psychiatric hospitals or wards

Who might go + why?

Psychiatric hospitals or wards specialise in treating people experiencing a range of different mental illnesses, including depression, psychoses such as schizophrenia, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Psychiatric hospitals or wards may be part of a larger hospital, or they can be located in a house or small building.

Many people find spending time in a psychiatric hospital or ward a very helpful way to:

• have time out
• find out what is happening to them and maybe why
• stabilise medication
• get intensive treatment by doctors and other health workers with specialist training, such as nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists.

Voluntary + involuntary admission

A voluntary admission is when you are admitted at your own request or at the suggestion of a doctor or guardian - this may be at a time when you feel you want some extra support.

Either yourself or your doctor or guardian may organise it, by getting in contact with a psychiatric hospital or ward.

An involuntary admission is when you are admitted and given treatment because you recognised to be incapable of taking care of yourself or are unable to keep yourself safe.

An involuntary admission requires a certificate from a doctor, which can be prompted by friends or relatives, police, a doctor, or a magistrate.

Where do you find one?

Your GP or psychiatrist should be able to recommend a psychiatric ward or hospital that will suit you best (you may find it difficult to find them over the internet). Some are privately run, while others are within larger hospitals. 

Some may have a limited number of places available, while others may only admit people at certain times of the year. 

Things you might consider when choosing a psychiatric ward or hospital is the cost, program (including any restrictions in activity and other policies), size, and length of stay.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a stay in a psychiatric hospital or ward varies widely. Some run on donations or require a very small fee, while others are privately run and expensive. You (or your parents) may be able to claim back some of costs through private health insurance or through Medicare.

How long do you stay for?

The length of stay depends on a range of factors. These may include what you are being treated for, the type of treatment you need and what the doctor decides will benefit you best. Most stays are short-term.

It’s common for people to stay for the length of a program that runs for a set period. Involuntary patients will have the time set by a magistrate. If after the period of time of the ‘schedule’ that brings you to hospital expires (usually a few days), the treating doctor(s) determine if and whether they feel you should stay longer.

The magistrate does not always agree with the doctors, and you will have a lawyer representing to assist you at the hearing.

What happens?

When you first arrive you will have a consultation with a doctor. The doctor will give you an assessment and tell you a bit more about how everything works.

This is a good time for you to ask any questions you might have about your treatment or what to expect. Depending on state law, you might get a second opinion from another doctor early on in your stay.

Depending on the hospital or ward, and your needs, you may have your own room, or you may share with others. You may also be allowed to bring your own book, phone, music and food.  

During your stay, the activities you take part in will vary depending on whether the task is to find out what has been happening for you, to help you manage any prescribed medication, or to assist you to better manage your behaviour. It might include:

• Group work - A group discussion with other patients that is facilitated by a social worker, nurse, doctor, psychologist or counsellor.
• Individual therapy - Counselling with a social worker, counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
• Personal time - You will probably find that you have a lot of time to yourself. How you fill this time is up to you, but it might include interacting with other patients, doing work or study if you feel able, or just chilling out and getting some head space.
• Visitors - Many hospitals have set visiting times, so you can see family and friends. You might also be allowed to go home at the weekend.

What to do if you're unhappy with the treatment

If you're unhappy or unsatisfied with any part of your treatment, it's important that you talk about it with your doctor or psychiatrist (they may not realise you're unhappy unless you say something). You might then discuss ways to adjust your treatment so you are getting the best possible outcome. If you continue to be unhappy with the treatment you have the right to ask for a second opinion.

Medication

Medication is often part of treatment and might include anti-depressants, sedatives, anti-psychotics, and occassionally electroconvulsive therapy (or ECT, for very severe mental illnesses).

Just because a person is on more or less medication than you doesn’t mean that you are any better or worse than they are. You can read more information about medication on the medication factsheet.

Dealing with fears about going home

You might look forward to going home, or you might feel scared or nervous at the thought of leaving the hospital.

You might be scared that things will go back to the way they were, that you’ll be alone, or not be able to cope with the added pressures of home (household tasks, work, study…).

The first few days can be tough. If you are experiencing this, it’s important to make use of the supports you already have set up before you get home - try to identify people that you can talk to or call when you are having a hard time, e.g. friends, family, a counsellor.

It may help to arrange activities before you leave the hospital so you have something to look forward to and to make you feel less alone.

It is good to investigate and list these things before leaving the hospital so that supports are in place before returning home, making the transition a little easier and less overwhelming.

Hospital staff or a community mental health team member can assist you in doing this.