Our Admissions Process

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital provides clinically excellent care for children and adolescents ages 5-17 who are suffering from symptoms of mental health concerns, including the following: 

• Depression 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Schizophrenia 
• Borderline personality disorder 
• Gender identity disorder 
• Psychosis 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 

It is not uncommon for people to experience symptoms of multiple mental health disorders at one time. To make sure that patients receive truly comprehensive care that addresses all their symptoms, we are able to develop treatment plans that include care for a number of co-occurring concerns, including the following: 

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns 
• Eating disorders 
• Panic disorder 
• Phobias 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Self-harm 
• Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) 

We are also able to serve patients who have co-occurring autism spectrum disorder. 

Generalized criteria for admission include: 

• Impaired judgment 
• Unmanageable behaviors 
• Imminent danger to self or others 
• Suicidal or homicidal ideation 

Please note that this is not a full list, and anyone who believes that they may need treatment can receive an intake assessment through which our team will determine if we can provide care that will be of benefit to them. 

Any potential patient can receive an intake assessment anytime, 24/7, at no cost to them. Our team is also able to schedule appointments for assessments ahead of time if that is preferred. 

Our streamlined admissions process consists of the following: 

• A member of our admissions staff will provide an initial assessment to gather general information about the patient’s presenting symptoms to determine if our facility may be a beneficial option for them. 
• The staff member will call one of our psychiatrists to receive a doctor’s order for the patient to be admitted.  
• The patient will meet with a mental health professional for registration, when they will also receive a safety assessment. 
• The patient will then meet with a master’s-level or licensed clinician for a comprehensive intake evaluation.  
• The clinician will review the results of the assessment with an on-call psychiatrist to determine the appropriate level of care and support for the patient. 
• If we believe that any of the programs we offer can meet the patient’s needs, the clinician will contact the patient’s insurance provider, if applicable, to begin the next step in the admissions process. 
• Once the clinician has spoken with the insurance provider and obtained treatment authorization, the patient will be given all relevant paperwork to confirm their consent to receive treatment, which includes a copy of the patient’s rights and information about the unit or program in which they will be receiving treatment. The patient will also be given information verbally about what they can expect as they begin treatment. 

 

For the safety of our patients and staff, we have certain requirements regarding items patients can and cannot bring with them to treatment. 

We recommend that patients bring two changes of clothing that do not have strings, straps, or belts. They should also bring any current medications they are taking that were prescribed by a physician. Patients are allowed to bring cellphones, but they will not have access to them while in treatment. They will, however, have access to our facility’s phones during designated times. Patients do not need to bring hygiene products, as we will provide those for them. If a patient must use hygiene items per a doctor’s order (e.g., medicated shampoo), they may bring those.  

While all personal belongings will be secured, we highly encourage patients to leave jewelry, electronics, large sums of money, and any expensive items at home. Additionally, patients should not bring food with them. 

If you have any questions about our admissions process or the services we offer at Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital or Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital for Children & Teens, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.