Key points
Hospitalization is not always necessary. Most people with mental health conditions won’t need hospital care, but in times of crisis, a hospital stay can provide safety, treatment, and stabilization.
Know the signs for when a hospital stay is needed. For instance, if your loved one can’t meet basic needs, is at risk of harm, is experiencing severe symptoms, or when other supports aren’t enough.
Hospitalization is a step toward recovery, not the end. Inpatient care usually includes monitoring, treatment, and planning for follow-up support. Families and caregivers play a vital role in ongoing recovery and self-care.
It’s hard to see someone you love go through a mental health crisis. As a family member or caregiver, you may be asking yourself: Does my loved one need to go to the hospital? What happens there? How can I help?
Most people with mental health conditions receive the care that they need outside of a hospital. But in times of crisis, a hospital stay can provide safety, treatment, and a roadmap for recovery. Among adults who received any mental health care or services in 2024, 3.57% received care in an inpatient hospital setting. This article can help you understand when someone may need to receive hospital care for a mental health condition, what to expect, and how you can show your loved one hope and compassion.
When a hospital stay may be helpful
A hospital stay provides a higher level of support to help someone safely get through the hardest moments of a mental health crisis. It does not mean that someone isn’t doing their best or that you’ve failed at caring for them. A hospital stay may be needed when:
- Mental health symptoms make it impossible to care for basic needs like eating, sleeping, or bathing
- Someone is at risk of harming themselves or others
- Someone is experiencing severe mood swings, loss of touch with reality, or behaving dangerously
- Help outside of the hospital isn’t enough to calm the crisis
If you notice these signs, text or call 988 right away to reach a 24-hour crisis center.
What to expect during a hospital stay
Hospital stays usually include:
- 24/7 care and monitoring in a safe environment
- Assistance with medication and adjustments as needed
- Planning to transition to follow-up care after the hospital stay
Hospital stays may also include therapy and group sessions to support healing, improve coping skills, and encourage social connection during recovery.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about mental health hospitalization
Is it always necessary to go to the hospital if someone is having a mental health crisis?
Many people can be supported with outpatient care, crisis hotlines, mobile crisis teams, or peer support. Hospital-based care is generally considered when there is an immediate risk of harm or when symptoms are too intense to be managed safely at home.
What if my loved one is experiencing symptoms of a crisis, but refuses to go to the hospital?
Ideally, people with mental health conditions are able to make their own choices about treatment. But during a mental health crisis, that is not always possible. If someone is in immediate danger and refuses care, extra support may be needed to keep them safe. In some cases, hospitalization can happen through an emergency hold or court order. This can be difficult for families, but the goal is always safety and stability for the person in crisis. If your loved one is in crisis but refusing treatment, text or call 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center.
Will insurance cover mental health hospitalization?
Coverage varies by plan. Questions to ask the insurance provider include:
- Which hospitals or treatment facilities are in-network
- If there are limits on the length of stay
- What kind of out-of-pocket costs can you expect
If insurance issues are keeping your loved one from getting the care they need, ask the hospital about financial assistance programs or community resources.
Questions to ask if your loved one goes to the hospital
- Will we be able to discuss treatment with the doctor or therapist? If so, when and how often?
- Can family members visit? If so, for how long?
- Will my loved one be allowed to receive phone calls?
- Will there be a daily schedule of activities or treatments? If so, what are they?
- What personal belongings from home am I allowed to bring for my loved one?
- Will caregivers/family members be made aware of changes in treatment?
- How long will my loved one be at the facility, and who makes this decision?
- Who will decide if my loved one will be able to go home, and when will that be?
Moving forward with hope
A hospital stay is often a turning point, not an endpoint. Recovery continues with:
- Ongoing therapy and medication management
- Peer and family support
- Building healthy habits and routines
- Recognizing when symptoms are not under control and acting quickly
You can help support your loved one by encouraging them to participate in follow-up care, respecting their boundaries, building daily routines to support wellness, and avoiding blame or shame as they work on their recovery. You can also help connect your loved one with community resources.
It’s also important to take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, and consider therapy or support groups for your own well-being.
If you feel like caregiving has taken a toll on your mental health, take a free, confidential mental health test at mhascreening.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.