Please call 911 if there is an immediate risk for harm or an emergency
For suicide intervention, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to get help by phone at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) Toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours a day.
To report a sexual assault, Call 911 or contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) to speak with a trained sexual assault service provider in your are
Hospitals and mental health facilities are able to provide some basic toiletries and hygiene supplies. If someone arrives with items that are not allowed on the unit (this will vary by facility), they will be inventoried and may either be locked in a secure location accessible only to staff and returned upon discharge, sent to the security department for safe keeping or may be sent home with a family member or parent if they are present during the admission.
Specialty items, depending on the type of facility may be provided to you in a hospital (for example, CPAP or BiPAP machines). Other facilities may require you bring it with you or make arrangements to have it brought in by a family member and may also require an order by the admitting physician. For patients undergoing hormone therapy, check with the facility about access to those treatments.
Items that may be provided during your admission:
-basic toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, basic feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads and tampons)
Items that may not be allowed on a mental health unit:
-mobile devices, such as cameras, cell phones, tablets or laptops. Items that allow internet access are not allowed due to potential HIPPA violation
-shoes
-drugs and weapons or paraphernalia
-insulin pumps
-portable oxygen
– spiral notebooks
-items with staples or paperclips
-any item with a cord or string or a cord or string longer than 6-inches (sweatshirts, sweatpants, shoe laces)
-shaving razors or razor blades
-scissors
-medical marijuana or CBD
The setting within psychiatric treatment facilities and hospitals vary depending on the overall services they provide. This list is very general guideline of some items that may or may not be allowed. Always check with the facility for clarification.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this post is strictly for educational purposes. Each hospital and/or psychiatric facility has their own admission criteria and guidelines and may have additional restrictions or requirements not mentioned in the aforementioned post. Please check with any hospital or facility about their specific inpatient admission requirements.
