Preparing for Your Stay
It’s normal to feel anxious about inpatient treatment; however, our goal is to help you feel comfortable and focus on what’s truly important – taking control of your mental health and living your life to the fullest. We’re changing people’s lives every day by delivering high-quality, evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment. We encourage you to speak openly to your care team, ask questions, and participate fully in treatment.
What to bring
- All of the medications you are currently taking, including OTC meds and inhalers
- Five sets of clothing/underwear/socks (no strings or ties). Washers and dryers are available on the units for washing clothes
- Nightwear/pajamas
- Eye-care items (contact lenses/cleaning solution/case/eyeglasses) and toiletries
- Toiletries that do not include alcohol or aerosols
We provide personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and soap.
What not to bring
To keep our patients safe, we have strict rules on personal items. Items that are not allowed will be returned to family/guardian for safekeeping or secured at the hospital and returned upon discharge.
- Valuables
- Belts
- Clothes with drawstrings or elastic
- Hats
- High heels
- Jewelry (including watches, earrings, and rings)
- Cell phones and electronics including laptops, iPods, and iPads
- Underwire bras
- Money or credit cards
- Items containing alcohol
- Razors, pins, needles, paperclips, thumbtacks
- Food and chewing gum
- Mirrors, including those in compacts
- Curling irons, hairdryers, straighteners
- Tobacco and/or lighters
Dress code
The patient dress code is casual and we want you to be comfortable. However, revealing attire is not allowed – no halter tops, tube tops, fishnet shirts, or short-shorts. Clothing may not contain offensive or controversial messages.
Assessments at El Dorado Springs Behavioral Health
When you first arrive, the assessment department will evaluate your unique challenges including symptoms, behaviors and current medications. The medical team will review this information and determine a comprehensive treatment plan for you, whether you are admitted immediately or recommended for outpatient care.
During Your Stay
Work with a multidisciplinary team
Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Responsible for coordinating your overall care, prescribing medication and other procedures that are appropriate components of your treatment. The medical staff makes all discharge decisions.
Staff Nurse
Performs duties as prescribed by a physician, including administering medication, observing your behavior, and reporting on your conditions to treatment team members.
Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
Assists you through your daily routine.
Recreational/Activity Therapist
Provides therapy through games, crafts, leisure education, creative expression, relaxation training and more. Examples of this type of therapy are pet, music, art and yoga.
Therapist/Social Worker
Provides evidence-based group and individual therapy and acts as the liaison between you, your family, and the treatment team.
After Your Stay
Before you leave the hospital, you will meet with a therapist who will go over the discharge plan with you. This is a chance for you to ask questions about your medications and follow up. In many cases, patients participate in one of our outpatient treatment programs to facilitate the transition back to everyday life.