Longer term admissions

-Shae-Lynn* · 29-06-2010, 10:32 PM

I just started the application to be admitted to a 3 month program. There is a really long waiting list to get in so it won't happen for a while but I'm nervous about it all the same.

What is the difference between longer term admissions and admissions based on crisis intervention? I've been admitted after a suicide attempt but that was only a couple days. I managed well with that one as I had been on the unit before for day-hospital and knew the people working there. This one is in Stouffville, about half an hour away from my house and I've never been there before. Is it harder than a crisis intervention admission? For this program i go home on the weekends so I think that that will make it easier to be there during the week. Something to look forward to.

Do you get more freedom while on a longer admission? Are you "allowed" to self-harm if needed? Are you allowed to have personal items?

Any advice or previous experiences would be greatly appreciated!!

PassedExpectations · 29-06-2010, 11:25 PM

i was in an adolescent residential unit for about three months this year... though more for OCD and anxiety, but SH too.

for me it worked really well, it was intensive CBT based programming. if you want to know more i can tell you, but i don't know how similar its going to be

but i highly doubt they'll "allow" you to cut... just like if you were going to drug rehab you wouldn't be able to have alcohol... they're going to want you to find better ways of coping, which they'll show you how to do.

good luck:)

-Shae-Lynn* · 30-06-2010, 04:52 AM

Thank you for the reply.
They called while I was out and so they will call back tomorrow. THe lady said originally that they would call back in a couple weeks so maybe this means I can get in faster. Who knows.

Thanks again :)

PaleMoon · 30-06-2010, 06:34 AM

Long-term admissions are more "home-like" in that you're not on a hospital unit. Generally, since people are there voluntarily, it's a more supportive atmosphere and slightly more relaxed.

I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be able to self-harm anywhere you went. They'd see as an issue of safety.

I'm also waiting to get into a long-term program :). My minimum stay will be 6 months, I'm really nervous...but excited too!

sherlock holmes · 30-06-2010, 11:58 AM

I had two long term admissions, one at a specialist self harm unit and the other under section.

The first one was very different to crisis admissions. I was free to come and go as I wanted and I went home every weekend. I had group therapy all day every day and did a variety of occupational therapy. It was very good. I was also allowed to self harm provided I reported it within two hours and accepted treatment.

The second one under section was in a secure unit and so I was heavily restricted on going out etc. However I had DBT and found it extremely useful.

Basically long term admissions are good for focusing on therapy and sorting through things, where crisis admissions are basically to keep you safe.

-Shae-Lynn* · 30-06-2010, 11:39 PM

I talked to the lady from the program today.
I have an appointment in December and then we go from there.
A long time to wait but at least I'll have tome to prepare.

Hope everyone is well

bleeding black · 01-07-2010, 06:38 AM

I haven't been admitted to a hospital that was specifically for long term admissions, but have been in a hospital for significant periods of time. It was the same concept as short term admission, the program was the same, some people were just in for more or less time.
We weren't allowed to self harm, and it was a 'three strikes you're out' system.

It doesn't seem right for self-harm to be allowed in a mental health facility, for a start you can't have people coming and going from a general hospital for stitches etc, and what about safety? Isn't one of the points of being in a contained environment to prevent harm?

bleeding black · 01-07-2010, 06:39 AM

Shae-Lynn,
Glad you spoke to the woman, how are you feeling about it now?
These programs always seem to have long waiting lists, but at least you are in the system now. :)
Take care

latopla · 03-07-2010, 08:18 AM

I've always wanted to try a long-term program due to the intensive therapy and focus on rehabilitation vs. basic safety/observation. My insurance doesn't cover anything long-term unless it is actually needed for safety. Other than that, I can stay in a psych hospital up to 30 days a year. I've never been in one longer than 12 days straight.

Sunshine · 07-07-2010, 01:07 PM

I was in hospital sectioned for 3 and half months and it was pretty much the same as a short term admission but that might have been because i was on section so didnt want to be there or cooperate much. I was allowed more personal persessions like an ipod. i was only ever able to self harm by banging my head against a wall and although the nurses werent that bothered the doctors didnt like it and made my stay longer.

i hope it helps you
x