Behavioral Health Inpatient Care
Since 1967, Firelands Regional Medical Center has been serving the behavioral health needs of our community, including individuals in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wyandot and other counties in Ohio. Sometimes certain behavioral health problems can become severe. In such instances, you or your loved one may benefit most from inpatient treatment in either our Behavioral Health inpatient psychiatric unit or our day treatment program – an intensive mental health outpatient program for persons.
Inpatient Behavioral Health unit
The Behavioral Health inpatient unit, located on the hospital’s main campus, offers comprehensive and integrated mental health and hospital services for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. This service is licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).
Our treatment team consists of psychiatrists, nurses, licensed mental health therapists, discharge planners, recreational therapists and hospital-based medical teams who work together to provide comprehensive treatment for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
The program is designed to help participants reach an improved level of functioning and resume their normal activities at home and in the community. The unit treats adults and geriatric patients and has a special care area for patients needing a more intense level of care.
Visiting hours
Daily 2-3 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
What to bring
We will provide clothing for patients. Please do not bring extra changes of clothing.
You can bring:
For your safety, all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be given to the nurse upon admission to document in the medical record. They are sent home with the family, or they may be sent to the pharmacy and returned to you upon discharge.
General information and unit policies
Phone calls
The patient phones, located at the nurses' station and in the multipurpose room, are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. They are turned off during therapy times. We ask that you limit your calls to 10 minutes so other patients can use them.
Meals and snacks
Meals are served at the approximate times:
- Breakfast 7:30 a.m.
- Lunch 11:30 a.m.
- Dinner 4:30 p.m.
We ask that you eat in the multipurpose room and please do not take food into the patient.
Mail
Mail is delivered to the unit once daily and is distributed from the nurses' station. Mailroom staff will pick up outgoing mail at the nurses' station. Stamps are available upon request.
Day treatment program
The day treatment program offers intensive clinical services in an environment where you or your loved one can feel comfortable. The purpose of this program is to provide a treatment alternative that bridges the gap between inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and traditional outpatient therapy. It can be used to help stabilize symptoms and prevent hospitalization or as a supportive step-down for persons being discharged from an inpatient stay.
With partial hospitalization, each individual has a treatment plan unique to their own needs. This plan is developed by working closely with the program’s team of professionals. Group and individual activities, education, psychiatric monitoring medication management are offered. Firelands uses a multi-disciplinary treatment approach that includes physicians, nurses, therapists and case managers according to individual needs. Staff is trained and credentialed according to Ohio laws.
The day treatment program is in Erie, Huron and Seneca counties. However, individuals from Sandusky and Ottawa counties can attend based on the availability of transportation.
View the Patients’ Bill of Rights for Inpatient Behavioral Health.
Frequently asked questions
What happens during admission?
When you arrive, a nursing staff member will escort you to your room, take your vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, height, and weight), check in your personal belongings, and orient you to the unit. Patients are not allowed to use any of their personal hygiene items, makeup, razors, hair curlers, or dryers. You will be asked to change into hospital attire for an assessment. One of our nurses will ask you for information about past and present medical and psychiatric conditions. Your psychiatrist will give you a routine physical exam and may order blood tests, urinalysis, or X-rays. Please be patient, as this process can take time, and it is important for us to learn as much as we can to help care for you.
Do my personal belongings stay with me?
On admission, the following items are kept in a safe storage area on the unit, including purses/wallets/bags with strings or straps; cell phones, personal electronic devices, radios; belts, scarves, shoe laces, drawstrings from clothing; personal care items in glass containers/aerosols, alcohol or sharp objects; electrical equipment such as hair dryers, curling irons, electric razors; nail clippers, files, tweezers; dental floss; all food/snack items will be labeled and stored in the kitchen area.
What is the typical length of stay?
The average length of stay for inpatient behavioral health patients can vary from a few days to a week or more. Length of stay depends on several variables, including the individual's personalized treatment plan. Talk to your doctor for more specific details on the length of stay since this can vary from person to person.
Are loved ones allowed to visit?
Yes. Guests are allowed daily 2-3 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Are there private rooms? Private bathrooms?
We have six private rooms and 28 semi-private rooms.
Who will be providing the treatment?
From our years of experience, we have found a team approach to be the most effective in treating mental health conditions. The treatment team consists of the psychiatrist, the nursing staff, mental health therapists, discharge planners, outpatient representatives, and recreational therapists. One of the psychiatrists will be your team leader and work with you to set goals. Under his/her direction, the nursing staff provides care and education in a supportive and safe environment to help you achieve your treatment goals. The nursing staff will assess your progress and work closely with your team to identify your needs and progress. The discharge planners will coordinate your discharge and help you get the services you need when you leave the hospital. (The discharge planners also coordinate placement or transfers when needed.) Mental health therapists have licensed counselors who provide individual, group therapy, and family counseling (when appropriate). Recreational therapists help patients meet their emotional, social, and leisure needs through focused group activities.
Can I smoke?
Firelands Regional Medical Center is a smoke-free healthcare facility. If you are a smoker or use smokeless tobacco to help manage nicotine cravings, nicotine replacement therapy is available if approved by your psychiatrist. Smoking cessation classes and written information are also provided in the unit for additional support.
How much does it cost to receive inpatient care?
Costs vary depending on the patient’s insurance and individualized treatment plan. Most insurance plans are accepted. Some programs also provide services on a sliding fee, based on the needs of individuals and their families.
What happens during treatment?
It is important to your recovery to attend the therapy groups identified in your treatment plan. Group therapy programs offered include community groups, healthy lifestyles, cognitive behavioral therapy groups, and setting healthy goals. The nursing groups will help you better understand your medications and other aspects of maintaining good mental and physical well-being, ie, relaxation techniques; stress management. Activity groups include exercise, crafts, cooking, pet therapy, and movies. Exercise is important for your overall recovery. Weather permitting, an exercise room and an outside courtyard are available for your use (with approval from your psychiatrist and staff supervision). All groups are posted on the bulletin board at the nurses’ station. Please seek assistance if you have questions or require additional information on any topic.
