When an individual experiences a mental health crisis that requires hospitalization, the patient and their loved ones often feel scared, confused, and overwhelmed. Inpatient care may come with multiple unknowns: How long will they need to be there? What will they do each day? And what really goes on in a mental hospital?
We invite you to step into our hospital for a bit, to see what happens on a daily basis during inpatient treatment. You’ll learn about the rhythms and routines that help foster emotional well-being, the ways staff nurture both physical and mental health, and the small but meaningful victories that make recovery possible.
This glimpse behind the scenes isn’t just about demystifying treatment—it’s also about breaking the stigma around mental health hospitals. Our guide will help you understand what a typical stay at an inpatient hospital is like.
What You’ll Learn
- What is inpatient treatment, and how is it different from outpatient care?
- What does a typical day look like for a patient in a mental health hospital?
- How does inpatient care prepare patients for continued care after discharge?
- How can someone access inpatient services at PrairieCare?
Quick Read
Inpatient treatment is designed for people who need the highest level of mental health support, with 24/7 supervision in a safe and structured environment. Stays typically last 7–10 days, although some patients may require longer stays depending on the severity of their symptoms. This level of care is meant for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, psychosis, or intense mood swings.
During inpatient care, a multidisciplinary team—including psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and other support staff—creates an individualized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. Patients participate in a combination of individual therapy, group sessions, recreational and art therapies, and psychoeducation. This structured and supportive environment allows patients to focus on stabilization, build healthy coping skills, and make progress toward recovery.
Inpatient care also prepares patients for the next step in their treatment journey. By combining safety, consistent routines, and intensive therapeutic support, patients can begin to regain stability and confidence. The care team collaborates with families, guides ongoing support, and ensures that patients leave with a personalized plan for continuing recovery after discharge.
Healing and Recovery at PrairieCare’s Inpatient Hospital
At PrairieCare, our inpatient hospital is carefully designed to provide a balance of structure, therapy, and connection—an environment where patients 35 and younger can focus on healing and sustainable recovery.
From guided group sessions to the enjoyment of art therapy, each day presents an opportunity to build resilience, practice coping skills, and rekindle hope for the future. We witness the human experience of care, hope, and connection that defines recovery at PrairieCare.
What Is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment is designed for people who need the highest level of mental health support. Unlike outpatient programs, where patients return home each day, inpatient care involves staying at the hospital 24 hours a day. Typically, a patient will be in treatment at a hospital for about 7–10 days, but the duration may be longer depending on the severity of their symptoms.
The goal of an inpatient hospital is to provide safety and stabilization. Patients may be experiencing severe symptoms during a mental health crisis. They may be having suicidal thoughts, engaging in self-harm, or struggling with psychosis or manic symptoms. Others may have intense anxiety, mood swings, or addictive behaviors that make it challenging for them to manage daily life and maintain well-being.
The Difference Between a Psychiatric Hospital and a General Hospital
Both hospitals can provide psychiatric care. While both care options can serve individuals with acute psychiatric needs, they are not the same.
Here are some key differences between a general hospital with mental health unit and a psychiatric hospital:
- Psychiatric hospital: A standalone facility that is entirely devoted to mental healthcare. Because a psychiatric hospital focuses solely on mental health, it typically offers more specialized care, tailored programs and resources, and an environment that is designed specifically for mental health recovery.
- General hospital: A standard medical hospital can have a mental health specific unit. It serves patients who require inpatient care, but within the context of a hospital that also provides medical care. It offers similar treatment, but it may not have the same breadth of therapeutic activities and resources.
PrairieCare’s inpatient hospital is a standalone psychiatric hospital for patients 35 and younger, meaning that every aspect of the environment is designed with the goal of healing from mental health disorders. Since mental health is our primary focus, we’re able to leverage a network of specialized experts to ensure that each patient has access to the necessary resources for effective care and long-term recovery.
PrairieCare’s inpatient hospital in Brooklyn Park, MN.
10 Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
If you, a loved one, or someone you’re caring for is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s crucial to access safety and care as quickly as possible. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a crisis. In short, a mental health crisis means that a person’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors have reached a point where they may be at risk of harming themselves or others, or they are unable to function in daily life.
Here are 10 warning signs that an individual needs immediate mental health treatment:
- Having suicidal thoughts or making a suicide plan
- Having persistent feelings of numbness or disconnected from reality
- Experiencing a manic episode
- Feeling overwhelmed by agitation or anger
- Having intense anxiety that interferes with basic functioning
- Experiencing mood swings that are intense or unpredictable
- Engaging in self-harm behaviors
- Having thoughts of hurting someone else
- Experiencing paranoia, hallucinations, or psychosis
- Feeling like caring for oneself or even getting out of bed is impossible
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek professional help immediately. A mental health crisis can be scary, and getting help is the most important thing you can do for yourself or someone you care for. Early intervention is key to effective treatment and can be life saving.
How to Access Inpatient Care
To access inpatient care, you can go to an ER, get a referral from a healthcare provider, or reach out to a mental healthcare organization directly. Here’s how each method works:
- Go to the emergency room. If safety is an immediate concern, call 911 or go directly to the nearest ER.
- A healthcare provider can make a referral. Therapists, doctors, and other providers can initiate the admissions process on a patient’s behalf.
- Call a mental health hospital directly. Some mental health hospitals accept self-referrals. At PrairieCare, we accept referrals to our hospital from adults 18–35 or from parents of children in crisis, when applicable. To connect with us, please call 952-826-8424. One of our experts will conduct a brief screening, verify bed availability, and provide next steps for accessing care.
Remember, if you or someone close to you is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest ER first.
A Day in the Life of a Patient
At PrairieCare, once a patient is admitted to our inpatient hospital, they’ll begin the process of psychiatric stabilization. First, patients meet with various providers and team members to learn about current concerns that warrant hospitalization.
The patient then receives a psychiatric evaluation, diagnostic assessment, physical examination, psychosocial evaluation, and safety assessment that help determine the goals for their treatment. From here, patients begin engaging in therapeutic programming to support their stabilization, engagement, and skill building.
We use structured therapeutic programming, including a variety of groups and activities that are a key part of treatment. In addition to the structured schedule, patients participate in individual therapy, family therapy, and ongoing individual meetings with their psychiatrist.
Each day at PrairieCare’s inpatient hospital is carefully designed to blend therapeutic work with opportunities for rest, connection, and creativity. Every patient’s family and caregivers are encouraged to visit and remain engaged in their loved one’s stay. Visitors can come between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm daily for about 1 hour each to ensure the patient can also participate in their full day of therapeutic programming.
Sample Inpatient Hospital Schedule
Keep in mind that many factors—including age, symptoms, co-occurring disorders, and more—are involved in determining what an individual’s schedule will look like. While it’s not exactly what every patient will experience day-to-day, our sample schedule gives a glimpse into the modalities that are incorporated into a typical day in our inpatient hospital.
Morning
7:30 am Begin the day with a morning routine and breakfast
Patients begin the day with their morning hygiene and self-care routine, followed by breakfast. Each patient room has its own bathroom, and each unit has showers for patients to utilize. The focus on self-care supports healthy habits and sets the tone for the treatment day.
8:30 am Meet with psychiatrist
Patients meet individually with a psychiatrist to review their symptoms and clinical needs, and to discuss hospitalization duration as well as potential aftercare needs. The psychiatrist may provide both psychopharmacologic (medication) approaches and psychotherapy interventions. The psychiatrist, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team, will closely monitor patient progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to support recovery and stabilization.
9:00 am Attend art therapy
Patients may participate in art therapy facilitated by a registered art therapist. This is a psychotherapy group encouraging self-expression through the creative process.
10:00 am Participate in a process group
In small groups led by a therapist, patients process their thoughts, feelings, and challenges in a safe, open, and supportive environment. Mental health conditions can feel isolating, but group therapy helps participants feel less alone and helps members work through what they’re experiencing. Together, patients develop self-awareness, foster healthy relationships, and form a community with the shared goal of recovery.
9:30 am Engage in recreational therapy
Patients engage in a variety of recreational therapies throughout their stay, allowing them to explore complex emotions, express creativity, and find helpful ways to express their feelings. Often, lessons can be learned through play, like music therapy or physical activities. Patients also engage in groups during these times to learn how to work with others, listen to others, build confidence, and practice calming strategies.
11:00 am Have lunch
Our nutritional team crafts well-rounded meals and accommodates patients who require specific adjustments due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences. Each patient discusses their meal plan with their care team at the start of their stay to ensure it meets their nutritional needs.
11:30 am Focus on individual skills
Each patient’s schedule includes downtime throughout the day, designed to help them focus on practicing skills that will support their progress. Sometimes, moments of quiet are helpful for healing, spending some time in their room reading or doing other activities they find helpful.
Afternoon
12:15 pm Practice skills for academic settings
Patients enrolled in school, including children and teens, spend time building social and emotional skills, practicing stress tolerance and symptom management strategies, and learning to communicate and advocate for themselves. With support from District 287, classroom activities are designed to boost self-confidence and address each student’s unique needs, so learning feels both supportive and meaningful.
3:00 pm Have family therapy with loved ones
Patients, primarily children and teens, are encouraged to participate in family therapy sessions. This is an opportunity for patients and their caregivers to strengthen communication, work through family dynamics, and develop a plan for ongoing safety and support. Including family in the healing process helps patients prepare for discharge and ensures a smoother transition home.
4:00 pm Join an occupational therapy group
Patients are encouraged to participate in an occupational therapy group that focuses on helping individuals develop skills and routines for daily living to manage mental health conditions, including emotion regulation, self-care, hygiene, and social participation.
5:00 pm Connect with peers during dinner
Patients have time to unwind and have dinner with their peers. This is a time to connect with others and relax from a busy day.
5:30 pm Participate in community meetings
During these sessions, patients gather in groups to discuss various topics and provide mutual support. Together, they reflect on their day and support one another as they work through their treatment goals. This time fosters a sense of community among patients who often share similar experiences and provides a vital support system.
Evening
6:00 pm Go outside or play in the gym
Nature and exercise play a significant part in building new routines that benefit overall well-being. Our hospital has grassy outdoor areas where patients can enjoy the weather, play basketball, or use the playground equipment. When the weather isn’t ideal, patients spend time in our two fully equipped gyms.
7:00 pm Take some evening downtime
The evening is a time for patients to wind down and relax. Patients often use this time to make phone calls to family, have independent downtime to do preferred activities, take showers, wash laundry, or watch a movie in the day room with peers.
9:00 pm Start bedtime routine
Maintaining a consistent end-of-day self-care routine helps support better sleep, which is essential to mental health recovery. Closing the day in a calm, structured way helps patients feel better prepared for another day of growth and healing.
What to Expect When You’re Admitted to PrairieCare’s Hospital
We understand that being admitted to a hospital can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to help patients and families feel informed and supported every step of the way. Here we walk you through what you can expect during an inpatient hospital stay.
What Items Can Be Brought From Home
We want you or your loved one to feel as comfortable as possible during their stay. While PrairieCare provides all of the essentials—such as hygiene products, clothing, and comfort items—patients can bring a few personal belongings to help them feel more at home:
- Up to five sets of clothing, undergarments, and socks (we encourage leaving items with identifying information, like school names, at home)
- Shoes without laces
- Protective bonnets, if you or your loved one typically wears them
- Shower shoes
- Religious or cultural items that are meaningful to your family
The patient’s care team will guide individuals or families on what they can bring and what should stay at home. Phones are not allowed on the unit, reducing distraction for patients so they can focus on their treatment. When a patient is admitted, any items they have with them that are not allowed will be securely stored until they’re discharged.
Family, Friends, and Loved Ones
Staying connected to loved ones is an integral part of the healing process, and we encourage family involvement throughout treatment. Each patient creates a call list with as many approved contacts as they wish and may choose up to four approved visitors for the duration of their stay.
Visits, encouraged for close family members or primary caregivers, can take place between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm. All visitors must be on the approved list and follow our guidelines to ensure a safe, supportive environment for everyone.
The Facility and Patient Rooms
Since our hospital focuses exclusively on mental health, we have meticulously designed our spaces to be optimal for healing, incorporating features that promote safety and calm. Soothing colors, natural light, and cozy seating areas provide tranquility and comfort.
Each patient has their own room with their own bathroom, desk, and storage space. In addition, our hospital offers a range of spaces that support recovery, including gyms, sensory rooms, art studios, classrooms, and more. Every detail—from the furniture to the artwork—has been chosen with healing in mind.
Patient Treatment Teams
At our hospital, we’re proud to provide care through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Our team brings together experts from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives and extensive experience to ensure that every patient receives the support, safety, and guidance they deserve.
Each patient’s care team may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Therapists
- Social Workers
- Nurses
- Advanced Practice Clinicians
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Art, Recreational, Music, and Occupational Therapists
- Primary Care Consultants
- Spiritual Care Providers and Cultural Liaisons (as requested)
Teams meet regularly to assess patients’ progress and update treatment plans as needed. By combining their skills and working closely together, these professionals create a personalized, well-rounded plan to help each patient reach their recovery goals during their stay.
Length of Stay and Discharge Planning
The average inpatient hospital stay at PrairieCare is 7–10 days. Some patients may require longer treatment depending on their symptoms. As part of discharge planning, a patient’s care team will review recommendations for the next steps in treatment and provide referrals or resources to support ongoing care.
Patients will receive a personalized safety plan for their return home, along with important information like crisis numbers, upcoming appointments, and medication instructions to support continued recovery.
Why PrairieCare for Inpatient Mental Health
When looking for inpatient care, you or a loved one deserves care that you can trust. Here are five reasons why PrairieCare’s mental health hospital might be the best fit for you or your loved one:
1. Driven By a ‘Treatment to Remission’ Philosophy
This means our entire clinical team focuses on supporting patients’ long-term healing, not just stabilizing crises. We utilize tools to track patient progress and identify the next step in their care journey, allowing clinicians to focus on tailored treatment. The goal is to eliminate or minimize symptoms so people can live “normally” without ongoing issues.
2. A Hospital Designed for Healing
Our inpatient facility was specifically designed for mental health treatment. Everything, from patient rooms to group spaces to activity areas, was intentionally designed to feel safe, supportive, and therapeutic. With nearly 20 years of experience in Minnesota, we have leveraged our expertise to shape what a mental health hospital should feel like and operate.
3. Specialized, Compassionate Experts
Our entire mission is mental health. Because of this, PrairieCare can offer deeply specialized care with access to psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and recreational specialists who are highly trained in psychiatric treatment.
Outside of the inpatient setting, we can connect patients with our robust team of experts once they have been discharged to a lower level of care. Our staff not only brings clinical expertise but also a genuine commitment to compassionate, person-centered care.
4. A Full Continuum of Care
Inpatient treatment is often just one step in the recovery process. PrairieCare offers a full spectrum of services, including residential treatment, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and clinic services
That means that patients can transition seamlessly into the level of care that best supports their ongoing needs. This continuity ensures patients can transition seamlessly toward the next step in their recovery.
5. Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder Support
We offer specialized programming that addresses both mental health and substance use concerns at the same time for young adults. Our integrated approach enables us to treat co-occurring conditions, including acute withdrawal when necessary, allowing patients to focus on their recovery safely and effectively.
Choosing PrairieCare means selecting a partner in your or your loved one’s healing journey. It means stepping into a place where every aspect of care—the providers, the environment, and the programming—is designed to offer safety, support, and hope for the future.
Get Mental Health Services in Minnesota
At PrairieCare, mental health isn’t just part of what we do; it’s our whole mission. Outside of our inpatient hospital, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care for people of all ages. Not sure what type of mental health support or program is needed for you or a loved one? We can help. You can call us at 952-826-8475 to discuss what is going on, and our team will guide you through the next steps, even if it’s outside of our care.
FAQ
What is it like to be in a mental hospital?
- A mental health hospital is a safe environment for people experiencing severe psychiatric needs that require 24/7 support from healthcare professionals. Each patient has an individualized treatment plan that determines a structured daily routine that helps stabilize symptoms and a discharge plan to ensure continued recovery.
Can you check yourself into inpatient mental health?
- Yes, but it depends on the inpatient hospital and whether they accept community or self-referrals. Most admissions to a psychiatric hospital happen when an emergency department or a mental health professional makes a referral.
How long do you usually stay in a mental health hospital?
- The length of stay at an inpatient mental health hospital is usually dependent on the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Short-term stays (crisis stabilization) are typically 7-10 days, while other extended stays may be between 2 and 4 weeks when more complex situations are present.
When should you go inpatient for mental health?
- Someone should go to an inpatient hospital whenever they notice signs that they may hurt themselves or others, and/or they can’t take care of themselves.
What is the difference between ER and inpatient?
- An ER, or emergency department, is for immediate, short-term care to ensure safety from potentially life-threatening situations. Meanwhile, an inpatient hospital only focuses on the stabilization of psychiatric challenges and focuses on long-term recovery and discharge planning.