Our Northeastern Pennsylvania Admission Process

Geisinger Behavioral Health cares for adults age 18 and older. Acute inpatient psychiatric care is necessary in certain situations

when mental health symptoms require intensive and immediate treatment in a hospital setting. In this safe and structured environment, those having a mental health crisis can find individualized support and care.

We treat a variety of primary mental health disorders at our inpatient mental health treatment center, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychosis
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

For admission to our inpatient level of care, a person must have a primary psychiatric diagnosis determined by a physician. We primarily treat mental health disorders at our facility, but we may also accept patients who have the following co-occurring concerns:

• Substance use disorders (for adults age 18 and older only)
• Intellectual disorders
• Developmental disorders

Patients must also meet at least one of these general criteria to be considered for admission to our acute care facility:

• They are a risk to their own safety or the safety of others.
• They are unable to meet their basic hygiene, nourishment, shelter or safety needs on their own.
• They are experiencing an overall decrease in their level of functioning compared with their baseline.
• They have made a recent attempt at self-harm.

Every patient will have compassionate and effective care in a safe and supportive environment where they can achieve their mental health goals.

You’ll have an initial psychosocial assessment over the phone with a member of our friendly admissions staff. This will help us understand your personal goals and determine if inpatient behavioral health treatment is appropriate for you.

During the assessment, we’ll ask a series of questions to gather information about your mental health history and symptoms so we can develop a personalized treatment plan. Questions we might ask include:

• What are your symptoms and how long have you been having them?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health disorder?
• Have you ever had inpatient psychiatric treatment before?
• Do you take medication for a mental health concern or any medical conditions?
• What is your home life like? Do you have a support system?
• Do you have any history of self-harm, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or harm directed at others?
• Do you drink alcohol or use drugs or other addictive substances?

The admissions team may also ask about your daily life, such as your ability to perform self-care tasks, maintain relationships and attend work or school. They’ll want to know about recent life events or stressors that may have contributed to your mental health concerns. These can include changes in relationships, work-related stress, financial difficulties and traumatic experiences.

Our goal during the admissions process is to understand your needs, develop a personalized treatment plan and identify the most appropriate interventions and therapies to support your healing journey. Your privacy is our priority — we strictly adhere to patient confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines. We’ll keep your assessment information confidential and share it only with the necessary treatment team members.

Taking the first step to recieve the care you need is just a phone call away. You can reach out to us anytime, 24/7, to speak with one of our staff members. They’ll guide you through the assessment process and answer any questions. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to support you.

As you prepare for your stay at our mental health acute inpatient treatment center, there are a few things to keep in mind as you pack. Bring along three or four days’ worth of comfortable clothing and footwear. We’ll provide you with basic toiletry items you may need during your time at Geisinger Behavioral Health.

To promote a safe environment that encourages healing for everyone, we ask that you do not bring these items:

• Valuables including jewelry, cash, checks and credit or debit cards
• Belts, shoelaces, handkerchiefs, scarves, hats, headbands, steel-toe boots and any clothing that has ties or strings
• Cellphones, cameras, computers and any electronic devices
• Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco or vaping products of any kind
• Glass, ceramic containers and cans made of aluminum or metal
• Cosmetic containers, mirrors, nail polish or nail polish remover, razors, scissors, toothpaste and mouthwash containing alcohol
• Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives and pepper spray
• Needles, paper clips, safety pins, sewing needles and fishhooks
• Plastic bags of any size