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Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health: When Is Hospitalization the Right Choice?

adolescent inpatient mental health

Adolescent inpatient mental health care provides short-term, intensive psychiatric treatment for teenagers experiencing severe mental health symptoms or safety concerns that cannot be managed safely through outpatient care alone. Its primary goals are to stabilize the immediate crisis, complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, begin evidence-based treatment, and develop a plan for ongoing recovery.

Watching a teenager struggle with serious mental health symptoms can be overwhelming for both the adolescent and their family. When symptoms become severe enough to affect safety, daily functioning, or the ability to care for basic needs, an adolescent inpatient mental health facility may provide the structured environment needed for immediate assessment and treatment. These programs offer around-the-clock medical and psychiatric supervision while helping teens begin their path toward recovery.

Unlike routine outpatient counseling, inpatient care is designed for adolescents who require continuous monitoring and intensive support. A multidisciplinary team—including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and social workers—works together to evaluate the teen’s condition, manage acute symptoms, and develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment often combines psychotherapy, medication management when clinically appropriate, family involvement, and therapeutic activities that support emotional stabilization.

Hospitalization is not intended to be a long-term solution. Instead, it serves as an important step within the broader continuum of behavioral healthcare. Once a teen’s condition has stabilized, the treatment team begins planning for ongoing care, which may include outpatient therapy, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), depending on the adolescent’s clinical needs.

Families often have questions about what inpatient treatment involves, when hospitalization is appropriate, and what recovery looks like afterward. If you’re looking for guidance on finding appropriate behavioral healthcare services, our pillar resource on how to get mental health help explains the first steps in seeking professional support.

Summary

  • Adolescent inpatient mental health treatment provides 24-hour psychiatric care for teens experiencing severe mental health crises.
  • The focus is on safety, stabilization, comprehensive assessment, and beginning treatment.
  • Hospitalization is generally short-term and serves as one part of a broader recovery plan.
  • Family participation and discharge planning are important components of care.
  • Most adolescents continue treatment through outpatient services after discharge.

What Is Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Care?

Adolescent inpatient mental health care is a short-term, hospital-based level of treatment for teenagers experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms or behavioral health crises that require continuous supervision. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe environment where healthcare professionals can stabilize acute symptoms, complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, and begin evidence-based treatment before transitioning the adolescent to ongoing care.

An adolescent inpatient mental health facility is designed for teens whose symptoms cannot be safely managed through outpatient therapy alone. Admission may be recommended when a young person is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, is experiencing severe mood or thought disturbances, or has symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. The decision to admit a teenager is based on an individualized clinical assessment rather than a single diagnosis.

Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary behavioral health team that may include psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, licensed therapists, nurses, social workers, and other mental health professionals. Together, they assess the adolescent’s emotional, psychological, medical, and social needs to create a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s condition and recovery goals.

Families looking for additional educational information about children’s and adolescents’ mental health can also refer to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which provides evidence-based resources on mental health conditions, treatment options, and finding appropriate care.

Treatment during an inpatient stay often includes individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication management when clinically appropriate, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and structured daily activities that help improve emotional regulation and coping skills. Depending on the adolescent’s needs, treatment may also address co-occurring conditions such as substance use disorders or trauma-related concerns.

It’s also important to understand what inpatient care is not. Hospitalization is not intended as long-term residential treatment or a substitute for ongoing therapy. Instead, it focuses on stabilizing immediate symptoms and preparing the adolescent for the next stage of care. As symptoms improve, the treatment team develops a discharge plan that supports continued recovery through outpatient therapy or other appropriate behavioral health services.

adolescent inpatient mental health

When Does a Teen Need an Inpatient Mental Health Facility?

A teen may need an inpatient mental health facility when mental health symptoms become severe enough to create an immediate safety concern or significantly interfere with daily functioning. Hospitalization is considered when intensive, around-the-clock evaluation and treatment are necessary to stabilize a crisis that cannot be managed safely at home or through outpatient services. The decision is always based on a comprehensive clinical assessment by qualified mental health professionals.

One of the most common reasons for inpatient admission is concern about a teen’s safety. This may include suicidal thoughts with a plan or intent, a recent suicide attempt, behaviors that place the adolescent at high risk of serious self-harm, or severe psychiatric symptoms that make it difficult to recognize reality or make safe decisions. In these situations, a structured treatment setting allows clinicians to monitor the adolescent closely while beginning appropriate interventions.

Hospitalization may also be appropriate when symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, or other behavioral health conditions become so severe that they prevent the teen from participating in school, maintaining relationships, or meeting basic daily needs. In some cases, adolescents may experience multiple conditions at the same time, requiring coordinated evaluation and treatment from a multidisciplinary care team.

Healthcare providers also consider whether previous treatments have been effective. If outpatient therapy, medication management, crisis services, or other community-based supports have not been enough to stabilize symptoms, a higher level of care may be recommended. The goal is not simply to manage a diagnosis but to address the immediate risks while developing a treatment plan that supports long-term recovery.

Parents and caregivers often worry that hospitalization means their child has “failed” treatment or will require long-term institutional care. In reality, inpatient teen mental health services are generally intended as short-term crisis stabilization. Once the adolescent’s condition improves and safety concerns have decreased, the care team begins planning for continued treatment in a less intensive setting that matches the teen’s ongoing needs.

Emergency Situations That Require Immediate Evaluation

Certain mental health emergencies require prompt evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional or an emergency department. These situations may indicate that a teenager needs urgent psychiatric assessment to protect their safety and determine the most appropriate level of care.

Examples include:

  • Suicidal thoughts accompanied by a plan, intent, or access to lethal means.
  • A recent suicide attempt or serious act of self-harm.
  • Hallucinations, delusions, or severe confusion that interfere with reality testing.
  • Extreme agitation, aggression, or behavior that creates an immediate risk of harm to the teen or others.
  • An inability to eat, drink, sleep, or care for basic personal needs because of a psychiatric condition.
  • Severe mood episodes, including mania or profound depression, that significantly impair judgment or functioning.

If a teenager is in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else, or is experiencing a mental health emergency, seek emergency medical care by calling 911, going to the nearest Emergency Department, or contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline within the United States. Prompt evaluation can help ensure the adolescent receives the appropriate level of care as quickly as possible.

adolescent inpatient mental health

What Conditions Are Commonly Treated in Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Facilities?

Adolescent inpatient mental health facilities treat a range of psychiatric conditions when symptoms become severe enough to require continuous monitoring, intensive treatment, and crisis stabilization. Admission is based on the adolescent’s current clinical needs and level of risk rather than a diagnosis alone. Each treatment plan is individualized because no two teenagers experience mental health conditions in the same way.

One of the most common reasons for hospitalization is major depressive disorder, particularly when symptoms are severe or accompanied by suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or an inability to perform everyday activities. During an inpatient stay, clinicians evaluate the severity of depression, identify contributing factors, provide evidence-based therapy, and consider medication when appropriate. The goal is to reduce immediate risk while helping the teen regain emotional stability.

Adolescents with anxiety disorders may also require inpatient care if overwhelming anxiety, panic symptoms, or related behaviors prevent them from functioning safely. While many anxiety disorders can be treated successfully in outpatient settings, hospitalization may be appropriate when symptoms become debilitating or occur alongside other serious mental health conditions.

Bipolar disorder is another condition that may require inpatient treatment during severe depressive or manic episodes. A manic episode can involve unusually elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, impulsive behavior, racing thoughts, or impaired judgment. Inpatient care allows clinicians to stabilize mood symptoms, monitor safety, and adjust treatment in a structured environment.

Some teens are hospitalized because of psychotic disorders or episodes involving hallucinations, delusions, or significant difficulty distinguishing reality from false perceptions. These symptoms require prompt psychiatric evaluation because they can affect judgment, behavior, and personal safety. Continuous observation enables the treatment team to monitor changes closely while initiating appropriate interventions.

Other conditions commonly treated include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and substance use disorders, particularly when symptoms become severe or are associated with immediate health or safety concerns. Many adolescents also have co-occurring mental health conditions, making comprehensive assessment especially important. Identifying these overlapping conditions helps clinicians develop a coordinated treatment plan that addresses the teenager’s overall behavioral health needs rather than focusing on a single diagnosis.

For readers who would like a broader understanding of hospital-based psychiatric treatment across different age groups, our guide to inpatient mental health facilities explains how inpatient care is used to stabilize acute mental health conditions and support recovery.


What Happens During an Inpatient Stay?

An inpatient stay is designed to stabilize a teen’s mental health, ensure safety, and begin treatment in a structured environment. Although each adolescent receives an individualized treatment plan, most inpatient programs follow a similar process that includes assessment, therapeutic interventions, medication management when appropriate, and planning for continued care after discharge.

The first step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Shortly after admission, the treatment team reviews the adolescent’s current symptoms, medical history, previous mental health treatment, medications, family history, and any immediate safety concerns. Clinicians also perform a mental status examination and suicide risk assessment when indicated. This evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment goals and identifies any medical or psychological factors contributing to the crisis.

Once the assessment is complete, the care team develops a personalized treatment plan. Most adolescents participate in individual therapy, where they work one-on-one with a mental health professional to discuss their thoughts, emotions, and coping strategies. They also attend group therapy, which provides opportunities to build communication skills, learn healthy coping techniques, and receive support from peers facing similar challenges. Many programs incorporate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), depending on the teen’s clinical needs.

Medication may be recommended for some adolescents when it is considered clinically appropriate. If medication is prescribed, psychiatrists and other qualified healthcare providers carefully monitor its effectiveness, watch for potential side effects, and make adjustments when necessary. Medication is typically one part of a broader treatment plan rather than the sole focus of care.

In addition to therapy sessions, inpatient programs provide a structured daily schedule that promotes stability and healthy routines. Teens often participate in educational activities, recreational therapy, mindfulness exercises, and skill-building sessions that encourage emotional regulation, stress management, and problem-solving. Maintaining consistent routines for meals, sleep, and daily activities can also support recovery during hospitalization.

Throughout the admission, the treatment team regularly reviews the adolescent’s progress and updates the care plan as symptoms change. Rather than waiting until the final day of hospitalization, discharge planning begins early. Clinicians work with the teen and family to identify appropriate follow-up services, coordinate community resources, and create a plan that supports a safe transition to the next level of care.

The Role of Families During Treatment

Family involvement is an important part of adolescent inpatient mental health care. Parents and caregivers provide valuable information about the teen’s history, behavior, strengths, and support system, helping clinicians develop a more complete understanding of the adolescent’s needs. When appropriate, family members are encouraged to participate in treatment planning and educational sessions.

Many inpatient programs include family therapy, which focuses on improving communication, addressing conflict, strengthening relationships, and helping family members understand the adolescent’s mental health condition. These sessions can also provide practical strategies for supporting recovery after discharge and recognizing early warning signs if symptoms begin to return.

The treatment team typically schedules regular meetings with parents or guardians to discuss progress, answer questions, and review changes to the treatment plan. Before discharge, families receive guidance on medications, follow-up appointments, safety planning, school reintegration, and community resources. This collaborative approach helps create continuity of care and supports the adolescent’s transition back to everyday life with an appropriate network of ongoing support.

adolescent inpatient mental health

How Long Do Teens Stay in an Inpatient Mental Health Facility?

Most adolescents stay in an inpatient mental health facility for several days to a few weeks, although the exact length of stay varies based on their individual clinical needs. There is no standard timeline that applies to every teenager. The treatment team regularly evaluates progress and determines when it is safe and appropriate to transition the adolescent to a less intensive level of care.

One of the biggest factors influencing the length of hospitalization is the severity of the mental health crisis at admission. Teens experiencing active suicidal thoughts, psychosis, severe mood episodes, or significant behavioral instability may require additional time for symptoms to stabilize before they can safely return home. The goal is to reduce immediate risk rather than keep a teenager hospitalized longer than medically necessary.

A teenager’s response to treatment also affects how long they remain in the hospital. During the inpatient stay, clinicians monitor symptom changes, participation in therapy, emotional regulation, sleep patterns, and overall functioning. If medications are started or adjusted, the care team may observe how the adolescent responds and whether any side effects require further evaluation.

Family involvement can also influence discharge readiness. Parents and caregivers often participate in treatment meetings, family therapy sessions, and discharge planning. Before leaving the hospital, families should understand the recommended treatment plan, medication instructions if applicable, safety strategies, and the importance of attending follow-up appointments. Preparing the home environment and arranging ongoing support helps create a smoother transition after hospitalization.

Discharge decisions are based on clinical judgment rather than a predetermined number of days. A teen is generally considered ready to leave inpatient care when immediate safety concerns have decreased, symptoms have become more manageable, and an appropriate follow-up plan has been established. Depending on the adolescent’s needs, the next step may include outpatient therapy, medication management, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or another level of behavioral healthcare that provides continued support while allowing the teen to spend more time at home.

Key Takeaways

  • There is no fixed length of stay for adolescent inpatient mental health treatment.
  • Hospitalization continues only as long as intensive, 24-hour psychiatric care is clinically necessary.
  • Progress depends on symptom stabilization, treatment response, and improved safety.
  • Family participation and discharge planning begin early to support a successful transition home.
  • Most teens continue their recovery through outpatient or step-down behavioral health services after discharge.

Inpatient vs. Residential vs. Partial Hospitalization vs. Intensive Outpatient Care

Behavioral health treatment is available at different levels of care, each designed to meet specific clinical needs. Adolescent inpatient mental health treatment provides the highest level of short-term psychiatric care for teens experiencing an acute mental health crisis. As symptoms improve, adolescents may transition to less intensive programs that continue treatment while supporting a gradual return to daily life.

The appropriate level of care depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, immediate safety risks, the adolescent’s ability to function at home and school, and recommendations from the treatment team. Moving between levels of care is a normal part of recovery and helps ensure that treatment remains appropriate as the teen’s condition changes.

Level of CarePrimary PurposeSupervisionTypical SettingBest Suited For
Inpatient Mental HealthCrisis stabilization, comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, and immediate treatment24 hours a dayPsychiatric hospital or hospital behavioral health unitTeens with severe symptoms or immediate safety concerns requiring continuous monitoring
Residential TreatmentLonger-term therapeutic support and skill development24-hour supervisionResidential behavioral health facilityAdolescents who need ongoing structured treatment after stabilization but no longer require hospital-level care
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)Intensive daytime treatment while living at homeSeveral hours per day, multiple days each weekHospital or behavioral health centerTeens who need structured therapy but are medically stable enough to return home each evening
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)Continued therapy with greater independenceSeveral therapy sessions each weekOutpatient behavioral health clinicAdolescents whose symptoms are improving but who still benefit from regular therapeutic support

These levels of care are not competing options but parts of a continuum of behavioral healthcare. A teenager may begin with inpatient hospitalization during a psychiatric crisis, transition to a residential program or PHP if additional structured treatment is needed, and later continue recovery through an IOP or traditional outpatient therapy. The treatment plan is individualized and may change as the adolescent’s symptoms, coping skills, and support system evolve.

No single program is the right choice for every teenager. Healthcare professionals consider the adolescent’s current mental health status, level of risk, previous treatment response, family support, and overall functioning before recommending the most appropriate level of care. The goal is to provide enough support to promote safety and recovery while avoiding more intensive treatment than is clinically necessary.

adolescent inpatient mental health

Preparing for Discharge and Continuing Recovery

Discharge planning begins early during an inpatient stay rather than waiting until the day a teen leaves the hospital. The goal is to ensure that the adolescent can safely transition to a less intensive level of care while continuing the progress made during hospitalization. A well-coordinated discharge plan helps reduce treatment interruptions and supports long-term recovery.

Before discharge, the treatment team evaluates whether the immediate mental health crisis has stabilized and whether the teen can be safely cared for outside the hospital. This assessment considers symptom improvement, emotional stability, coping skills, participation in treatment, family support, and the availability of appropriate follow-up services. Discharge occurs only when clinicians determine that hospital-level care is no longer medically necessary.

A comprehensive discharge plan typically includes referrals for ongoing behavioral health treatment. Depending on the adolescent’s needs, this may involve outpatient psychotherapy, psychiatric follow-up for medication management, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or other community-based services. Scheduling these appointments before discharge can help maintain continuity of care and reduce gaps in treatment.

Safety planning is another essential component of the discharge process. The treatment team works with the teen and family to develop a personalized safety plan that identifies warning signs, healthy coping strategies, supportive individuals to contact, and steps to take if symptoms worsen. For adolescents who have experienced suicidal thoughts or self-harm, families may also receive guidance on reducing access to potentially dangerous items at home as part of an individualized safety strategy.

Returning to school and everyday routines may require gradual adjustment. Some adolescents benefit from temporary academic accommodations, modified schedules, or coordination between healthcare providers and school personnel. Maintaining healthy sleep habits, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and consistent participation in therapy can also support emotional well-being during recovery.

Recovery does not end when a teen leaves an inpatient mental health facility. Continued engagement with treatment, open communication within the family, and regular follow-up with mental health professionals are important for monitoring progress and addressing new challenges early. While recovery looks different for every adolescent, ongoing support can help strengthen resilience and promote long-term mental health.

Key Takeaways

  • Discharge planning starts early to support a safe transition from inpatient care.
  • Follow-up treatment may include outpatient therapy, medication management, PHP, or IOP based on the adolescent’s needs.
  • A personalized safety plan helps families recognize warning signs and respond appropriately if symptoms return.
  • School reintegration and healthy daily routines are important parts of continued recovery.
  • Ongoing communication with mental health professionals helps ensure treatment remains appropriate as the adolescent’s needs change.

When Should Parents Seek Professional Help?

Parents and caregivers should seek professional mental health evaluation whenever a teenager’s emotional or behavioral changes become severe, persistent, or begin interfering with daily life. While occasional mood changes are a normal part of adolescence, symptoms that significantly affect school performance, relationships, self-care, or personal safety deserve prompt attention from a qualified mental health professional. Early evaluation can help identify the underlying concerns and connect families with appropriate treatment before symptoms become more difficult to manage.

Some warning signs may indicate that a teen needs timely behavioral health assessment. These include persistent sadness, hopelessness, severe anxiety, withdrawal from family and friends, dramatic changes in sleep or appetite, declining academic performance, frequent emotional outbursts, or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Although these symptoms do not necessarily mean hospitalization is required, they should not be ignored, particularly if they continue for several weeks or become progressively worse.

Parents should also pay close attention to behaviors that suggest an increased risk of harm. Expressions of wanting to die, talking about feeling like a burden, giving away valued possessions, engaging in self-injury, or displaying significant changes in personality or judgment warrant immediate professional evaluation. Likewise, hallucinations, delusions, extreme mood changes, or behavior that places the teen or others at risk require urgent assessment by a healthcare provider.

If an adolescent is experiencing a mental health emergency—such as a suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts with intent or a specific plan, severe psychosis, or behavior that creates an immediate danger—families should call 911, go to the nearest Emergency Department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if they are in the United States. These emergency resources are available to help individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis receive immediate care.

Seeking help is a proactive step toward protecting a teenager’s health and well-being. Many adolescents recover successfully with the right combination of evidence-based treatment, family support, and ongoing follow-up care. Even when hospitalization is not necessary, consulting a mental health professional can provide clarity, guide treatment decisions, and help families develop strategies to support their teen’s recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Persistent emotional or behavioral changes that interfere with daily functioning should be evaluated by a mental health professional.
  • Warning signs such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or severe mood changes require prompt medical attention.
  • Hospitalization is recommended only when clinically necessary to protect the teen’s safety and provide intensive treatment.
  • Early intervention can improve access to appropriate care and support long-term recovery.
  • In a mental health emergency, call 911, visit the nearest Emergency Department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.

Conclusion

Adolescent inpatient mental health care provides short-term, intensive treatment for teenagers experiencing severe mental health symptoms that cannot be managed safely in an outpatient setting. The primary focus is on crisis stabilization, comprehensive psychiatric assessment, evidence-based treatment, and creating a plan for continued recovery after discharge. Hospitalization is one step within a broader continuum of behavioral healthcare rather than a long-term solution.

For parents and caregivers, deciding whether inpatient treatment is necessary can feel overwhelming. Understanding how adolescent inpatient mental health facilities work—and recognizing when professional evaluation is appropriate—can make that decision less uncertain. With timely intervention, family involvement, and appropriate follow-up care, many adolescents are able to continue their recovery through outpatient services and develop healthier coping skills over time.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an adolescent inpatient mental health facility?

An adolescent inpatient mental health facility is a hospital-based program that provides 24-hour psychiatric care for teenagers experiencing severe mental health symptoms or behavioral health crises. The goal is to stabilize symptoms, ensure safety, complete a comprehensive evaluation, and begin appropriate treatment before transitioning to ongoing care.

2. How long does a teenager usually stay in inpatient mental health treatment?

The length of stay varies depending on the adolescent’s clinical needs, response to treatment, and overall safety. Many inpatient hospitalizations last several days to a few weeks, but discharge decisions are based on clinical progress rather than a fixed timeline.

3. What therapies are provided during an inpatient stay?

Treatment commonly includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, psychoeducation, and evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

4. Can parents visit their child during hospitalization?

Most adolescent inpatient programs encourage family involvement. Visitation policies vary by facility, but parents and guardians are typically invited to participate in family therapy sessions, treatment meetings, and discharge planning whenever appropriate.

5. What happens after a teen leaves an inpatient mental health facility?

After discharge, most adolescents continue treatment through outpatient therapy, psychiatric follow-up, medication management if needed, or step-down programs such as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). The goal is to maintain progress and support long-term recovery.

6. Does inpatient treatment guarantee recovery?

No. Inpatient hospitalization is intended to stabilize an immediate mental health crisis and begin treatment. Recovery is an ongoing process that often continues through outpatient care, family support, and regular follow-up with mental health professionals.


Medical Review Disclosure

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Gloria Fosu, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Review Date: July 24, 2026

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Mental health conditions vary from person to person, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, go to the nearest Emergency Department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.


Call to Action (CTA)

If your teenager is experiencing severe mental health symptoms or you are unsure which level of care is appropriate, seeking a professional evaluation is an important first step. Arthur Behavioral Health provides compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health services designed to support adolescents and their families throughout every stage of treatment and recovery. Contact our team to learn more about available mental health services and the treatment options that best fit your family’s needs.


References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Children and Mental Health.
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care.
  3. American Psychiatric Association (APA). Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Children and Adolescents.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mental Health Among Children and Adolescents.
  5. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resources.
  6. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). Facts for Families: Psychiatric Hospitalization.

About the Author

Dr. Gloria Fosu, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner

Dr. Gloria Fosu

DNP, PMHNP‑BC, FNP‑C, RN‑BC

Founder of Arthur Behavioral Healthcare — a trusted mental health clinic in Laurel, MD. Dr. Fosu specializes in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy for adults across Prince George’s County and Baltimore City.