Key Takeaways
- Acute psychiatric care offers 24/7 support for people experiencing a mental health crisis. As a short-term intervention, the goals of this form of care are safety and stability.
- While in an acute psychiatric facility, patients can be expected to be treated with kindness and respect. Unlike what you may have seen in the movies, these supportive environments are designed to promote healing and preserve patient autonomy.
- Transition planning is an important part of acute psychiatric care. Before a patient is discharged, staff work to ensure they understand next steps in their treatment plan and what forms of support they may need long-term.
Acute psychiatric care is a form of intensive, specialized mental health support. It typically takes place in settings like hospitals or clinics with dedicated psychiatric facilities. Unlike outpatient services, which are intended to help a person maintain their mental health over time, acute psychiatric care is relatively brief, typically lasting a few days or weeks.
The main goal of acute psychiatric care is to help people experiencing a mental health crisis achieve safety and stability. Once this objective is achieved, staff will support patients in their transition from acute psychiatric care back to daily life. This helps create a seamless transition into whatever supports a person may need after they’re discharged from an acute-care setting.
What happens in acute psychiatric care
Upon entering acute psychiatric care, providers will conduct a thorough assessment. Various medical and mental health providers will review the person’s health history (if available) and issue an initial psychiatric diagnosis. A medical professional will also conduct an in-depth physical exam to rule out the possibility of underlying health conditions.
This initial assessment is designed to provide insight into what mental health condition(s) a person is living with, the possible level of risk to themselves or others, and which interventions might be needed immediately. Providers will use these details to create a provisional treatment plan. During this phase, the goal is to keep the person and staff safe while working toward stability.
While in an acute psychiatric care setting, a person will be monitored consistently. Medical staff will continue to check their vital signs and ensure they’re receiving medications for their needs. Mental health professionals will determine if and when a person is stable enough to access the available supports, like individual or group therapy or skills training. Some acute-care facilities employ social workers or case managers to help patients and families navigate the treatment process and plan for discharge.
This multidisciplinary approach has been shown to improve clinical outcomes for people in acute-care settings. Research shows that having access to intensive support during and immediately after a crisis can help prevent future acute episodes.
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When acute psychiatric care may be necessary
Acute psychiatric care may be necessary if a person has a decline in mental health that leads to safety concerns or a significant loss of functioning. This could result from:
- Self-harm and/or suicidal ideation with plan, intent, and means*
- Homicidal ideation or a risk of seriously harming others
- Psychosis (a break with reality)
- Memory loss or cognitive impairment
- Severe mood disturbance (like manic or depressive episodes)
- Recurring panic attacks
- Acute stress
These experiences can result from a wide range of mental health concerns and experiences. However, research shows that people with a history of self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may be more likely to face a mental health crisis. But keep in mind that with the right support, these conditions can be managed. Having one of these mental health concerns doesn’t automatically mean you’ll require acute psychiatric care.
*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themself or others, please call or text 988 on any phone for the Suicide & Crisis lifeline, contact a local crisis line, or head to the emergency room immediately. Any of these resources will ensure that the person in crisis receives support right away. For more information on getting help, go to 988lifeline.org
If experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.
Five things to know about acute psychiatric treatment
If you’re interested in accessing acute psychiatric care either for yourself or a loved one, here are some important things to know:
- It’s round the clock. Acute inpatient care involves 24/7 monitoring and support. While in this setting, you’ll likely stay overnight in the facility until discharge.
- It’s only temporary. Unlike outpatient care, acute patient care isn’t designed to treat chronic conditions. It’s meant to help people achieve safety and stability before transitioning to other forms of support.
- It can be voluntary or involuntary. In rare instances, a person can be placed in acute inpatient treatment against their will. This only occurs when a mental health professional or law enforcement finds that a person is a danger to him or herself, to others, or is gravely disabled.
- It may require a referral. Some acute-care facilities may require your therapist, psychiatric provider, or another provider to provide a referral before you can be admitted. You may also have to wait until a spot opens at a facility in your community if there’s a shortage of beds.
- It’s not like the movies. Most acute psychiatric facilities are supportive environments where patients are treated with kindness and respect. Staff work to uphold patients’ autonomy and protect their rights while they’re in treatment.
Acute psychiatric care is an important part of mental health care as it provides immediate treatment for people who need stability and safety. The goal of psychiatric hospitalization is to stabilize the person as well as to come up with a discharge plan to set them up for success!
Find care with Rula
Acute psychiatric care is an inpatient support for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone experiencing a decline in mental health that affects their safety or the safety of others may benefit from these services. Acute psychiatric care is designed to help people transition to long-term supports that can help them manage their symptoms and stay safe throughout their lives.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
