Understanding the Pediatric Mental Health System

What is inpatient care for mental health?

When kids visit the emergency room for mental health care, it’s possible their symptoms will be complex and severe enough to warrant a stay in an inpatient behavioral health unit. Your child’s care team, in partnership with your family, will decide if a child needs inpatient care. Kids generally stay in the inpatient unit for 5 to 7 days, during which the care team’s goal is to make sure your child is safe and stable to return home and continue with mental health care in the community.

While your child is in inpatient care, they will stay at the hospital. Each inpatient unit is different and has a different setups for housing and treating patients. At Children’s Colorado, for example, we offer private rooms and bathrooms and have the option of rooms with an extra bed so parents can stay with kids if they prefer. This is not always the case, but can be a benefit to families. Additionally, at some hospitals, kids can bring their own clothes as long as they are free from safety concerns, while in others, they might wear scrubs.

Does insurance cover inpatient mental health care?

Insurance companies often cover inpatient care, but they usually require prior authorization. Your ER care team will likely help you get authorization before your child moves to the impatient unit. It’s important to know that depending on available beds and your insurance company’s network, your child might not receive emergency and inpatient care in the same hospital. Your care team will help you find the best place for your child and ensure they get there safely.

While your child is in inpatient care, hospital coordinators will check in with your insurance company consistently to make sure there are no issues with coverage. If these issues do come up, your care team will work with you and your insurance company to submit appeals or make a case for your child’s coverage, as needed.

Inpatient care and education

When your child is receiving inpatient mental health care, it is helpful for them to remain fully engaged in treatment rather than worrying about school or homework. Still, as kids prepare to leave inpatient care, it’s often helpful for parents and caregivers to reach out to the school to schedule a re-entry meeting. This is a common approach, and most school districts are familiar with what to discuss during these meetings.

What is my primary care physician’s role during inpatient care?

Your child’s primary care physician (PCP) may be in communication with your inpatient care team for any medication management changes during your child’s inpatient stay, especially if they have already been managing your child’s mental health prescriptions. After your child leaves inpatient care, your care team will send a discharge summary to your child’s PCP so they are aware of the care plan going forward.

What can I do at home to support my family?

Parents and caregivers often play an important role in a child’s inpatient stay. Your child’s care team will likely hold critical meetings with you while your child is in their care. The first meeting typically focuses on information gathering to make sure the care team knows your child’s entire history well. The second meeting focuses on co-creating a treatment plan with the family and can involve goal setting. The care team may ask other family members, such as siblings, to join these meetings if their perspectives are needed. Finally, before your child goes home, their care team may hold an additional meeting to help you create a safety plan and make sure you are confident as you move through the transition.

During this time, the team will inform you and your child about any new diagnoses they’re making. You may also want to look into support groups the hospital may run to make sure you feel supported during this challenging time. Some hospitals also have family resource centers that can be extremely helpful for parents and caregivers.

What is the next step in care?

Every child’s journey after inpatient care looks a little different. You’ll make these decisions as a team, including the input and experiences of family members, caregivers and your child.