Advice For Choosing Inpatient Or Intensive Outpatient Program?

[theshadowoftheliving]

Any advice for what to look for or what to avoid?

I'm starting to scare myself by acting out suicidal urges. I always manage to catch myself before its bad, but I'm just not sure about my ability to keep myself safe sometimes.

I'm trying to make these decisions on my own before its too late or someone else makes them for me.

But I don't know what to look for. Or what to avoid. The entire process seems so frightening and overwhelming.

 

[Panda Bear]

sorry, I don't much in the way of advice...but I imagine your insurance option will be the driving force as where to look? Are you currently working with any type of mental health provider?

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

Yeah, insurance drives it. But, it's open-enrollment right now, so I could choose a different insurance, thus opening my options. This is part of the overwhelming part.

I am working with a therapist, but I'm terrified to ask her for advice on this front.

Plus, I know the insider experience sometimes tells so much more than the on-paper experience, which is why I'm reaching out here, too.

 

[shimmerz]

What specific type of help are you looking for? Addiction? Trauma and addiction? Just trauma? Dissociation? Attachment? Any ideas? Also, what area of the USA are you in? Are you willing to go anywhere or would you be happier to stay in your area?

 

[twinkle30]

If you are suicidal you will probably get treated inpatient first and then outpatient. You could look online to see hospital grades. That won't give you specific ratings on the programs but an overall view of the hospital or clinic.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

@shimmerz I'm not sure. I know I have trouble with a lot of things, and I'm not sure what would be most helpful. I get myself in trouble when I drink, but that doesn't feel like the main issue, as I have no trouble staying sober when I try (sometimes I just feel hopeless and like it doesn't matter). Trauma is definitely a problem. So is dissociation. Mixed in there is the depression and suicidal ideation/actions.

The suicide stuff is probably the most pressing in terms of safety. But it is so closely intertwined with the dissociation and the trauma that I have trouble figuring out what should be the focus.

I'm in the northeast. I think staying (relatively) local is important, as is entering a program voluntarily, with the option to leave at any time.

Beyond that? I'm at a loss.

 

[twinkle30]

Once you say you are suicidal they won't let you leave until they feel you are ready. Even if you check yourself in.

 

[shimmerz]

Once you say you are suicidal they won't let you leave until they feel you are ready.

True story. And if you are inpatient and they see you are suicidal, well, I think better to self report....

I have a friend on the board that may be able to help with some answers as to inpatient trauma facilities. I will ask her whether she knows of a place that may be able to help you.....

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

Once you say you are suicidal they won't let you leave until they feel you are ready. Even if you check yourself in.

This is what I'm afraid of.

I'm suicidal in a vague sense, but not actively suicidal. Suicidal enough to consider inpatient or partial hospitalization, but not too suicidal, as I continue to be seen on an outpatient basis.

I'd rather take my chances with my safety than risk being committed for longer than I can be.

But, I'm not sure how this all shakes down as far as considering admissions, etc to the programs.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

Reviving this thread to see if there are any new opinions on this. I'm getting worried that if I don't find a program for myself, I'll end up wherever I get stuck by whatever provider decides to stick me there.

Advice? I'm feeling so, so overwhelmed on this front.

 

[Friday]

The suicide stuff is probably the most pressing in terms of safety. But it is so closely intertwined with the dissociation and the trauma that I have trouble figuring out what should be the focus.

Suicidal ideation can be from a hundred sources; every mental illness & some disorders in the DSM5, to grief/loss, medical issues, drug use &/or addiction, etc. So I would say it makes sense to be looking at trauma programs, since that's where your SI comes from... And specifically ones that focus on disassociation spectrum.

The only one I know off the top of my head has been mentioned on the forums many times: Shepherd Pratt. http://www.sheppardpratt.org/patien...pecialized-programs/trauma-disorders-program/

 

[shimmerz]

Hi @theshadowoftheliving , my apologies for the delay and thank you for reviving the thread. This particular member I was speaking of is going through quite a bit right now, but I am certain will respond asap with any information she has. I have shared the link of this thread with her and you should be hearing soon.

I hope all is well with you and that this member can help you. :hug: