Depression: Part III

In-Patient Treatment

TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT ANY INPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM

Sometimes mental health problems require hospitalization. This is a serious decision that should not be made without considering the following questions carefully:

1. Is an experienced medical doctor in charge?

2. Does the program provide a total treatment environment, including individual, group, and family therapy?

3. Is a fully qualified staff available, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers?

4. Does the program use effective diagnostic and laboratory tests to help make correct diagnoses and to evaluate treatment?

5. Does the program provide for family sessions and counseling when necessary? If so, how many family sessions are there?

For child and adolescent hospital programs:

6. Does the program offer an accredited school and/or vocational training to prevent children and teens from falling behind in their schoolwork?

7. Are family members encouraged to visit?

8. Are support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous encouraged?

9. Does the program provide well-defined aftercare through individual or group therapy?

10. How much does the program cost? Will your insurance cover all or part of the treatment, and for how long will your insurance continue?