Do you think that you or someone you love may be in need of immediate help from a psychiatrist? There are a variety of situations that may warrant a visit to a psychiatrist. You can read more about what these situations typically look like, how to get in touch with a licensed clinical therapist, and what usually comes after an immediate psychiatric visit.

What types of situations typically warrant scheduling an immediate visit with a psychiatrist?

The following are some examples of circumstances that may facilitate an immediate visit with a psychiatrist: 

• An attempt to end your own life
• Attempts to harm oneself or others
• Violent behavior
• Substance withdrawal
• Excessive or destructive substance use
• Episodes of psychosis
• Rapid changes in behavior

If you or your loved one are experiencing any of these, you should take one or more of the steps listed in the next section.

What steps should you take if you need to see a psychiatrist immediately?

There are a few steps you should take if you need to see a psychiatrist immediately. Read through each option carefully to determine which sounds best for you:

• Call a mental health crisis hotline — Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support. Help is always available, and talking with a mental health professional can provide needed support and temporary stabilization until you can make an appointment with a psychiatrist. 
• Call for immediate medical help — If you’re in a pressing mental health crisis and you don’t have access to transportation to the emergency room, don’t hesitate to call 911. If you or a loved one are experiencing urgent symptoms, please call 911. Emergency medical services can transport you to the nearest hospital. They’ll work to immediately stabilize your condition. Hospitals have on-site psychiatrists who can give you immediate care. 
• Take yourself to an emergency room or urgent care center — If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and can transport yourself to an emergency medical center, you may want to consider doing so. Taking yourself can cut down on the costs associated with emergency medical transportation. You’ll receive immediate psychiatric treatment from an on-site staff member who can help. 
• Schedule an appointment with a licensed clinical therapist — Another way to get psychiatric treatment for a pressing mental health situation is by scheduling an appointment with a licensed clinical therapist. If you need immediate treatment, this may not be the quickest method; however, you may still be able to receive timely care. Scheduling an appointment with a licensed clinical therapist can often be an alternative to receiving care from a hospital facility. Many psychiatric visits require a referral from a licensed therapist, but that’s not always the case.

What comes after an immediate psychiatrist visit?

After a visit to a hospital’s emergency room for immediate psychiatric treatment, your care team at the hospital will likely refer you to an outpatient or intensive outpatient program for continued treatment. 

When you schedule an appointment with a licensed clinical therapist, your therapist may be able to refer you to a mental health care facility that offers various levels of private treatment, like outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs, day programs and residential programs. 

Lightfully can facilitate the level of treatment you or your loved one needs

Our mission at Lightfully is to provide high-quality mental health care to various types of clients through a focused approach to process-based therapy. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. We have extensive experience working with various mental health disorders, so we’re confident that we can help you manage your condition over time.

Lightfully offers various levels of care to both adults and teens: Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program. We also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for adults. For those who have been involved in past situations where they needed immediate psychiatric treatment, Lightfully can offer long-term care to meet ongoing mental health needs. Lightfully offers many levels of care designed to meet each client where they are. Many of our clients with a history of immediate psychiatric treatments find that our Residential Treatment Program can be an alternative to inpatient units and are often preferred. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our licensed clinical therapists today for help.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.