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12 minutes
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iThe Mental Health Crisis Unit at North Alabama Shoals Hospital provides psychiatric care to patients aged 19-68. We are a 20-bed, acute psychiatric stabilization unit for those experiencing a mental health crisis that is best treated in an inpatient setting. We have patients who are voluntary, and those who have been involuntarily committed by the probate courts through the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
We provide individual, group, and family therapy from social workers and therapists as is appropriate for the acute setting. On average, our patients are admitted to MHCU for three to five days. Our patients see a psychiatrist daily, and have 24/7 nursing care. Mood disorders, including bipolar disorders and depression, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors are some of the most common reasons individuals are admitted to the unit.
The admission process typically begins with someone presenting to the ER with a mental health crisis, and is medically cleared by the ER physician. A Psychiatric Screening Exam a psychiatrist will be contacted. The psychiatrist will either admit the patient, or make a referral to outpatient mental health services. If the prospective patient is at another location, we can perform the screening exam by phone.