Inpatient Psychiatry FAQs

Insurance policies vary greatly in what medical services will be covered, what co-payments or deposits are required, and to which hospitals you can be admitted under your insurance plan. Our admissions office will offer assistance in determining your insurance coverage. We also encourage you or your family to call your insurance company while planning your admission to determine coverage and co-payments. Individuals who plan to pay for their hospitalization without using insurance will be required to provide a monetary deposit at admission.

No, you can refer yourself or someone else for admission. Your doctor or therapist can also refer you. We do not accept involuntary admissions, so a patient must sign her/himself into the hospital. Referrals are accepted based on medical need for inpatient care. To make a referral, please call our admissions department at 404-728-6222.

You will see a psychiatrist every day. Emory Healthcare is a teaching hospital, so you may see a team of physicians, most who are in training under the supervision of an attending physician. You may also see medical students.

We are an acute care, or short-term hospital. The length of time you will be in the hospital is determined by your personal and individual treatment plan.

Most therapy is provided in the form of unit structure or “milieu”, and group therapies. Group therapies are a part of your treatment, and are designed to address your individual goals. You may meet individually with a staff member to address discharge/aftercare plans.

Personal medications brought to the hospital that are not approved or ordered by our psychiatrist will be recorded and secured in our pharmacy until you are discharged.

No, Emory Healthcare is a non-smoking facility. We have several smoking cessation options to help with nicotine withdrawal as well as information available to help you quit smoking. Smokeless tobacco is not allowed.

We have two phones available for your use. We encourage you to bring a pre-paid phone card for long-distance calls, and recommend you write down important numbers to keep with you. Your cell phone will be secured with your other valuables during your stay.

A list of recommended items to bring with you can be found on the patient guide pages, and also in the Patient Handbook (PDF, 96 kbytes).

Visitation hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., every day. You must give permission for visitors to be allowed on the unit. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the unit.

Our medical records department will assist you. Please call 404-712-1575 for further instructions.

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