Submitted by charlesbronson05 t3_ydjujy in rva
I have a friend who has expressed thoughts and desires for a place to possibly find help for some more acute mental health issues. I don’t even know if this is a good place to ask for opinions, but a cursory google search isn’t helping much either. Does anyone here have experiences they might be willing to share? Thanks in advance.
Call Richmond Behavioral Health crisis line: https://www.rbha.org/services/crisis-response.aspx
OR take them to Tucker Pavilion.
Any ER can take mental health patients but most will try not to if they can. Tucker Pavilion actually has an inpatient psychiatric facility unlike other hospitals.
I had a friend in crisis recently get bounced around hospitals in Richmond, refused admittance from two ER’s in spite of what the crisis line told us to do, and this person was immediately admitted to Tucker the next day and was there for more than a week.
RBHA also has a Crisis Stabilization program that is ALMOST in-patient. They have nurses, you get to talk to doctor every day, and there are social workers to help set up follow-up appointments. This is a good option for people who may be nervous about going in to an in-patient psychiatric unit but are looking for more support than just an appointment with a doctor or therapist.
I was inpatient at VCU for a few days and it was spartan but effective. I got to see a psychiatrist within a few hours who adjusted my meds and it kept me safe when I needed it.
There's also the option of going to a partial hospitalization program, which is like inpatient only you get to go home every day. It's like group therapy from 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday with a break for lunch, along with visits from a psychiatrist for medication management. I really recommend the PHP program at Parham Doctors Hospital. I've been there before, I know several others who have as well. It's a good program, I found it more relaxed and easier to manage than going inpatient.
Piggybacking off of your comment - I did a PHP program thru Tuckers at Chippenham because Parham said I didn't quite need to be admitted but they didn't have any spots available in their PHP at that time. The one I did thru Tuckers was all virtual at the time due to the pandemic but it was still extremely helpful and I would highly recommend it. Everyone I worked with during my evaluation was very kind and understanding, the social worker who led most of our group sessions and lessons/activities was an angel. And although the prescribing physician wasn't really amazing, she wasn't bad by any means and she still got me started on the right path med-wise.
I know Tuckers also offers an IOP (intensive outpatient program) as a step-down option, which is a half day program as opposed to PHP which is full day. Anyway, OP - if your friend doesn't actively have a plan to harm themselves or others at this time, then inpatient care may not end up being necessary and an outpatient program may be a good option for them to look into. Doing a PHP was honestly probably the best decision I have ever made, I learned some truly invaluable things through it.
Parham Doctor’s and Retreat have good inpatient programs.
I have transported to all hospitals that have services. Parham Doctors has overall the most consistent, and usually available. If your friend is a county resident, their program uses the county for extended resources.
Good luck
Retreat, beeb there and its really not bad
u get ur own room
Had a brilliant experience at Community Hospital Mental Health facility of all places! The doctors are astute and cutting edge, the staff are kind and really smart. They helped me save my life. I’m healing due directly to their care and the clinicians to which I became connected through Dr. Mbadugha. Cannot recommend them more highly! Best of luck on their journey. What you seek is seeking you(or your friend).
I'm not sure if Tuckers is still around or what age is the cut off. It may not be your place to say, but if it is let them know they aren't completely alone
Retreat is wonderful. Dr. Wiseman is fantastic and the nurses are too.
Gullible_Peach16 t1_itsmmyf wrote
Your friend can be evaluated at almost any ER. I’ve worked with VCU and Chippenham with mental health crises so I’m more familiar with those two. If your friend meets criteria and the hospital has a bed, they could be admitted. If not, they may try to set them up with outpatient options.
RBHA is the behavioral health center for the city. They may be able to evaluate your friend over the phone and provide more resources. I hope it all goes well and your friend gets help. Good looking out.