Inpatient Mental Health

Introduction

Welcome to Samaritan Medical Center’s Inpatient Mental Health Unit… building better lives and a stronger community.

At Samaritan the Inpatient Mental Health Unit serves:

The staff on the Inpatient Mental Health Unit are committed to providing a healthy, safe and therapeutic environment for all patients. Through compressive team treatment planning and patient education, staff are able to stabilize even the most acutely stressed patients.

Admissions

The Inpatient Mental Health Unit accepts voluntary and involuntary admissions seven days a week, 24 hours per day. Referrals may be made by a general practitioner, mental health provider, and family members or through self-referrals.

For your convenience, a simple, one page fax referral form is available should you need to send a patient for a mental health evaluation. Simply download the form and fax it to Samaritan Medical Center’s Emergency Department Social Worker at 785-4171, prior to sending the patient for a mental health evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you or a family member/friend is admitted to the Inpatient Mental Health Unit at Samaritan Medical Center, you may have a few questions. Please take a minute to review the following items.

How long will I be a patient on the Inpatient Mental Health Unit?
Length of stay depends on many things, including the treatment plan that is designed especially for you. Your doctor and treatment team will discuss this with you in the first few days.

How much cash can/should I have?
Patients are encouraged to bring less than $5 with them, including a few quarters for telephone calls.

Can I have my cell phone, laptop, Walkman, radio, or paper & pen?
Cell phones and laptops are prohibited. A doctor’s order is required for use of Walkman or radios. Paper & pen will be provided upon request.

Can I wear my jewelry?
Because valuable items can be lost or stolen, we encourage patients to not wear or keep jewelry in their possession.

Can I have a private room?
Private rooms are available based upon medical necessity.

Can I make telephone calls?
There are two pay phones on the unit where patients may make and receive telephone calls throughout the day. Telephones are turned off during group times.

Patient Telephone numbers:

• (315) 782-9762
• (315) 782-9673
• (877) 888-6138

Do I need to sign a release of information for my family and friends to call me during my stay?
Not if the call is made directly to the pay phones designated for patients. However, if family members choose to call the unit directly a signed release of information is required for staff to talk with the family member.

How many belongings can I bring with me?
A three-day change of clothes is recommended. Shoes should be slip-on or Velcro closure.

Can I have a TV?
There is a large screen TV in the lounge for use by all patients and is free of charge.

What activities will I be required/asked to participate in?
Daily activities include group therapy, social activities, a daily meeting with your assigned doctor and staff member.

Can I smoke while I am on the unit?
No, we are a smoke-free facility.

Can I have food brought in or order take-out?
Visitors may bring food may onto the unit, however the food must be in a factory sealed package and consumed during that visit. Beverages must be sealed and caffeine free. Patients may not order take-out food to be delivered by an outside vendor.

Important Inpatient Mental Health Numbers:

Visiting Hours

The staff on the Inpatient Mental Health Unit recognize the importance family and friends can play in the recovery and/or stabilization of an acute psychiatric emergency. Therefore, there are various times through the week that visitors may stop by the Inpatient Mental Health Unit.

• Visitors are limited to two per visit and all visitors must sign-in at the nurse’s station.
• Visiting hours are Monday through Friday 7 to 8:30 p.m. and weekends 1-2:30 p.m. or 7-8:30 p.m.
• Other arrangements may be made based on family availability.