Voluntary Admission
This is requested by individuals who acknowledge they need help.
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Voluntary patients may ask at any time to be discharged. Request must be made in writing.
- Discharge is a collaborative process between patient and physician.
- Upon receiving request for discharge, psychiatrist will discuss treatment plan with patient. Discharge is not determined by staff on the unit. Discharge is always the result of a discussion between psychiatrists and patient.
- Normally, psychiatrist and patient mutually agree upon a discharge plan. A psychiatrist must see patient in person before agreeing to discharge request.
- After patient completes request for discharge, the hospital must discharge patient within five business days. Most patients receive their discharge prior to the end of five business days.
- If psychiatrist believes patient is at high risk for physical self-harm or harm to others, the physician may file a petition in court to ask to keep patient beyond five days. If this happens, there will be a court hearing The facility will continue to house patient while awaiting hearing.
Involuntary Admission
Patients who are admitted as a result of an emergency petition and certification.
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Individuals will only be admitted involuntarily if, due to a mental illness, a doctor believes the individual will harm themselves or others, or if the individual is unable to care for themselves.
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Those admitted involuntarily must be discharged by the psychiatrist or by the court.
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The court hearing cannot be postponed more than 15 days, upon patient request. See Rights of the Involuntary patient for additional information
- Anyone who is admitted to a psychiatric facility, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, is required by Illinois law to be reported to the Secretary of State's office. You may lose your firearm owner's ID card and access to guns.
Treatment Plan
- 24-hour nursing care
- Daily consultation with psychiatrist
- Designated therapist/social worker
- Specialty consultations (addictions therapist or nutritionist if necessary)
- Medication management
- Therapeutic activities: group therapy, individual therapy, psychoeducation, nutrition education and recreational therapy
- Spiritual support upon request.
What to Bring
Shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush/plastic comb, soap/body wash, lotion, toothbrush/toothpaste, non-medicated lip balm, underwear, bra (approved by staff), shoes (slip-on, no laces), jigsaw puzzles, coloring book and crayons (no sharpener), journal (paper only), word puzzles, crosswords, books, magazines, Sudoku.