Understanding the Difference Between a Mental Hospital and a Psychiatric Hospital
How do I identify the right place for seeking mental health treatment? Should I seek admission to a psychiatric ward or schedule a consultation with a counseling psychologist? How do I find answers to all these questions?
Mental health care encompasses various facilities to help individuals with diverse psychological needs. It is critical to make an informed decision about seeking help, and as a result, one should be mindful of the healthcare facility they are moving forward with. Whether one needs to seek consultation from a mental hospital or a psychiatric hospital, or help from a counseling psychologist or a psychiatrist, we have tried to shed light on all these important topics in this blog.
Understanding Mental Hospital & Psychiatric Hospital
We can understand mental hospitals as institutions that provide treatment facilities for varying mental illnesses through diverse modalities. A mental hospital can have a variety of parts, including but not limited to a psychiatric ward. Mental health disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance and drug abuse disorders, and so on, can receive treatment.
Psychiatric hospitals, on the other hand, serve as specialized treatment settings for individuals experiencing moderate to highly intense symptoms of mental illness. One of the many goals would be to provide stability and safety during extremely intense times. The hospital can have different facilities, such as an intensive care unit, crisis management, and pharmacotherapy.
Scope of Care at Mental Hospital & Psychiatric Hospital
While people sometimes use the terms “mental hospital” and “psychiatric hospital” interchangeably, it’s important to understand the differences between the two to choose the best facility for help.
At a mental hospital, one can also seek long-term support and rehabilitation. The individual can expect help through therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy, rational behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, etc., along with pharmacotherapy if needed. Psychiatrists, counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists, and paramedical staff can be present to help the individuals.
Psychiatric hospitals can be more focused on patient stabilization and immediate crisis intervention. The priority may be to provide immediate safety and help patients restore balance through pharmacotherapy and a supportive environment.
The length of stay at a mental health care facility may depend upon the individual’s concerns. At a mental hospital, one can find long-term support through both inpatient and outpatient service options, whereas a psychiatric hospital can be more suitable for immediate safety assurance and a relatively shorter-term stay.
Environment at Mental Health Care Service
The mental health care service environment should be supportive and make one feel safe. When one reaches out to improve their mental wellness, it can take a lot of courage and strength! Mental health professionals should try to empathize with the individual and provide a safe environment that fosters quality of life.
Thus, at both a mental hospital and a psychiatric hospital, the environment aims to provide individuals with a safe space for healing. At times, a psychiatric hospital may have a more restrictive environment, keeping in mind the best interests of patients.
A mental health service provider should maintain common yet crucial factors such as confidentiality, respect, trust, and an ethical environment. Mental health issues can be challenging for individuals, and healthcare providers can try their best to make this journey easier for them through a welcoming and empowering atmosphere.
What to Look for When Seeking Help for Mental Health?
To make an informed decision as you or your loved one embark on a mental health recovery journey, consider exploring the following questions:
- What are the concerns I’m facing, and with what intensity on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest?
- Did I also seek help from a mental health professional before? What was their professional qualification and designation, as well as my own experience with them?
- What are my mental health goals?
- What are my priorities when looking for a mental health service provider—location, fees, experience, area of expertise, etc.?
- What would be a safe and supportive environment for me?
- Do I need complete medical supervision?
Before reaching out to a mental health service provider, consider these and many other questions. The goal behind each question is to become more aware of the concerns and therefore move in the right direction. One can ask their queries to the mental health professionals they are seeking help from; psychoeducation is a pivotal part of the mental health recovery journey.
Contact Athena Behavioral Health for more Insights
Athena Behavioral Health is one of the finest mental hospitals in Delhi, NCR, India. It includes a rehabilitation facility as well as a psychiatric facility. We offer both psychiatric wards and other mental health services such as individual counseling sessions and group therapy. Our hardworking team of mental health professionals works around the clock to assist those who contact us.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding the treatment facility that would be more suitable for you, or if you or your loved ones are experiencing signs of mental illness but puzzled about diagnosis and treatment plan, you can reach out to us via call at +91 9289086193 or email us at customercare@athenabhs.com.
One of our expert team members will respond promptly, and we will together pave the way for a healthier mental well-being!
Also Read:
Local Psychiatric Hospitals: How to Find the Best Care
Identifying Early Childhood Signs of Schizophrenia
Mental Health Transformation at Indian Psychiatric Rehab Center
Personality Disorders Explained: What Makes Each Unique
