Behavioral Health

FAQ

What can I expect when I get to the BHU?
You will be transported to the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) in a van accompanied by security and staff or arrive by EMS. Skin checks will be completed on admission to the building to ensure safety for you and others. Your admission process will be completed on the unit by a nurse.
Do I have a private room?
The unit has private/semi-private rooms. You will be assigned a room based on availability and specific need for your treatment. All youth rooms are private rooms.
Can I use my cell phone?
For safety and patient privacy, cell phones are not allowed on the unit. A team member will help retrieve phone numbers from your phone. A community phone will be made available for use.
How long do I have to stay there?
The average stay at BHU is 3-5 days. Each patient is evaluated daily around their specific treatment plan.
What can I have on the unit?
Your belongings are inventoried on admission and items not allowed on the unit will be placed in the secure belongings closet/safe to be given back at discharge. You will be given all other items, if deemed safe and appropriate, and they become your responsibility. Basic hygiene items are provided by the hospital. No outside food, pillows or blankets are allowed unless approved due to a specific treatment plan.
Can I have visitors?
There are daily visitation hours. Only the guardians of a child may visit the youth unit. Only one visitor on the adult unit and two to the youth unit are allowed at a time, and no one under the age of 18 is permitted. Please ask a team member and/or see your patient handbook.
What will I be doing during the admission?
Patients will spend their day participating in group therapy and recreational therapy. When not in group, patients will be in a common area. The common area will be where patients eat their meals, watch TV, interact with peers, meet with staff or relax.
When will I see a doctor?
Within 24 hours of admission to the BHU, you will be seen by a provider. Mental health techs and nurses will be available at all times.
Will I get my medication as soon as I get to the BHU?
Most medications for medical reasons will be restarted immediately. Due to state laws, many psychiatric medications cannot be started or restarted until a patient meets with a provider.
How do I notify work/school of an admission?
A community phone is available to use during your stay. A medical note can be provided upon discharge if requested.
What must I do to discharge?
Discharge will be based on a number of factors that include observable safe behaviors, tolerating medications and the development of a plan of care for when you leave. Patients who are admitted voluntarily may request a discharge. However, they must meet with a provider for evaluation before leaving.
Can I go outside?
Yes. Each unit has its own outdoor space and a shared basketball court
Can I smoke at BHU?
We are a non-smoking facility. We can provide a Nicotine patch or gum as part of your treatment.
Who can know I am here and/or receive my health care information?
Your stay at BHU is confidential under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Only a patient’s guardian and/or those you specify will be communicated to about your care.
Do you accept insurance?
Baptist Behavioral Health takes most commercial insurance providers, Medicare, Medicaid (including Alabama) and self-pay with financial assistance applications available to all.
Can I have food delivered?
No. Due to safety concerns, BHU does not allow for outside food to be delivered
What is the Baker Act?
The intent of the Baker Act is to provide short-term evaluation, treatment and stabilization for individuals struggling with acute mental health symptoms. (2024 Baker Act Reference Guide)
Can I be admitted voluntarily or do I have to be under a Baker Act?
You can be admitted voluntarily. According to the Baker Act Reference Guide, a voluntary admission individual may apply for services (admission) at a designated receiving facility. This is also referred to as voluntary legal status if a person meets all of the following criteria:
  • Is competent to provide express and informed consent to treatment
  • Can benefit from inpatient services; and
  • Cannot receive the same benefit from receiving services at a lower level of care
Consent must be deliberate and occur after there is sufficient explanation and disclosure by the facility about the services being provided. Sufficient explanation may include treatment risks, benefits and other less restrictive alternatives to inpatient treatment.
What does it mean to be admitted under a Baker Act?
Criteria for an Involuntary Examination Under the Baker Act Section 394.463(1), Florida Statutes Involuntary Examination – Criteria Section 394.4625(1)(e), Florida Statutes Authority to Receive Patients:
  • An involuntary examination may be initiated if there is reason to believe that an individual is experiencing significant negative impact from symptoms of a mental health condition. An individual can be taken to a designated receiving facility (Baptist Hospital is a receiving facility) for an involuntary examination if there is reason to believe that they have a mental health condition and, because of that condition, all the following criteria are met:
  • The individual either:
    • Refuses voluntary admission after careful explanation as to the reason for examination.
    • Is experiencing an acute or chronic state where they are unable to determine for themselves whether examination is necessary excluding them from being able to provide express and informed consent.
    • And it is evident that either: Without the immediate intervention of acute care or treatment, the individual is likely to experience neglect that poses a significant threat of substantial harm to the individual’s well-being. This threat is not likely to be overcome with the help of willing, able, and responsible family members or friends or community services or other support.
    • Based on recent behaviors there is an imminent threat that, without immediate intervention, the individual will cause serious physical harm to self or others.
Can my legal status change while I am inpatient?
Yes, individuals may be transferred from voluntary to involuntary status while receiving services in a designated receiving facility if the individual meets criteria for involuntary inpatient placement or involuntary outpatient services and:
  • Refuses examination or treatment, or
  • An exclusion for voluntary status is present, or
  • Is found incompetent to provide express and informed consent
A transfer from voluntary to involuntary status typically occurs when an individual is seeking discharge, the treating practitioner believes that the individual is not safe to be discharged and the individual continues to meet the criteria for involuntary services.
The provider will also discuss your option to transfer voluntary status from involuntary based on the psychiatric evaluation.