How can i be admitted to a mental hospital

Sometimes a mental illness can become so severe that the person with the illness may not even realise they are unwell. The law also protects your rights. You have the right to legal representation and in some cases this is provided for free. In New Zealand all cases under mental health compulsory treatment orders receive free legal representation. Each Australian state and territory and New Zealand have their own mental health acts, which set out these rights and the other rules that doctors must obey.

Seclusion or restraint may be used when a person is acting violently and the person, other patients or staff members are at risk. Restraint is where a person is physically restricted from moving around, for example by someone holding them, through medication, or by being strapped down. Seclusion and restraint are a last resort where all other options to keep people safe have been tried or considered.

Both should be very rare. Tell hospital staff if you are uncomfortable with any part of your treatment or are unsure of anything. This is a general guide only, and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to your doctor for advice about your situation. Subject matter experts, people with lived experience of mental illness and carers all contributed to this fact sheet.

This website needs JavaScript enabled in order to work correctly; currently it looks like it is disabled. Please enable JavaScript to use this website as intended. Psychiatric hospitals View print friendly version of this info. Going to hospital for psychiatric treatment Most people living with mental illness will never need to go to hospital for treatment.

Private psychiatric hospitals admit a really broad range of people. Common problems like depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol problems. Even less common things like schizophrenia. Almost all patients will be involved in therapy, both group and individual. In hospital you will be greeted at a reception desk. They'll help you get to the ward and find your way around. People get better in hospital. Why go to hospital? That might be because you are: feeling really sad, really frightened, or if you are feeling out of control injured or have physical symptoms from self-harm, alcohol or drug use, or eating disorders experiencing hallucinations seeing or hearing things that are not there having thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

Types of hospitals In Australia there are psychiatric units in major public hospitals, as well as specialist psychiatric hospitals that can be public or private. Public hospitals are free for citizens and some overseas visitors. Private hospitals charge fees for their services. More about private health insurance and hospitals Australia What do I need to know before going to hospital? What to bring. The most important things to bring are: your Medicare card, Health Care Card or concession card Australia details of any private health insurance you hold test results and scans any medications, supplements or vitamins you take.

If you need an interpreter, the hospital can organise this for you. Intake and assessment When you come into hospital, you will be shown around and given information about what will happen during your stay. This could include: talking to you about your thoughts, feelings and symptoms asking about how you're currently coping asking you about things you're good at, what has worked in the past and possible supports available to you asking about your medical history asking you some questions to test your attention and concentration.

They may do some blood tests, brain scans or other tests. The causes of mental health problems differ, but generally they are a combination of biological, psychological and social reasons.

Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obssessive compulsive disorder OCD , panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder PTSD and borderline personality disorder. The positive news about mental illnesses is that recovery is possible through proper clinical attention. Only a spouse, next of kin, partner, associate, parent or guardian of a mental healthcare user may make an application, but where the:.

Note: If your mental condition is regarded as a threat to society, a court can order you to be committed to a mental institution with or without your consent. The cost for the service depends on two conditions. Where a patient is admitted involuntarily, that is, the person is so sick that they need medical attention without their consent, the service is free.

Much like other areas of the hospital, you may have to share a room with other patients on the unit. Speak to your care provider if you have any questions about your room arrangement. Learn more about what to expect when you stay at our hospitals for a mental health concern. Health topics. Mental health and substance use. Mental health hospital care. Admissions for mental health care in the hospital. Learn about what to expect when you arrive at the hospital with a mental health concern.

How do I or my relative get admitted to the hospital for mental health concerns? Admission as a voluntary patient: this means the person with a mental health concern comes to the hospital willingly to get treatment.