Hospitalization for Mental Health

The Importance of Follow-up Care After Discharge

Taking care of your mental health is important. Just like for physical health, sometimes a stay in the hospital is needed for mental health. This stay can help you achieve your goals. It is important you know what to do after you leave the hospital. It might be hard to keep up with your treatment plan. We are here to help you. 

Before you leave the hospital:

Understand your medications and how to take them.
Know who to contact if you have trouble with your medications.
Review your plan for treatment for after your hospital stay. Ask questions if you have them.
Work with the hospital staff to schedule a visit with your mental health provider. Try to see them within 7 days of leaving the hospital. If you don’t have a mental health provider, they can help you find one and schedule the appointment.
Discuss a crisis plan in case you need support. Identify people you can talk to if you feel stress.
Make sure you have the appointment information and understand it before you leave.

Seeing your mental health provider after you go home is important. Staying healthy after a hospital stay can be hard. You might not feel better right away. You should see your mental health provider within 7 days of leaving the hospital. If you feel that stress or sadness is too much for you to handle your mental health provider can help. Your mental health provider can help you stay well after leaving the hospital. They can help:

Review and adjust your medications.
Adjust from the hospital back to your regular routine of home, work, or school.
Continue to work on your mental health needs.
Provide extra support you might need.
Give you ideas to help with your treatment goals.
Direct you to other resources to help you stay well.
Lower your chance of another hospital stay.

Need help finding a provider:

Find a Provider | Wellcare
Did you know that Wellcare also covers telehealth virtual visits for behavioral health? Telehealth allows you to see a mental health professional from anywhere – by using a computer, tablet or phone. Your provider can answer questions, give a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that will help you get healthy and stay healthy.

If you are thinking about suicide, hurting yourself, or someone else, call 9-8-8. You Are Important! If you are in crisis, or you know someone who is, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or dial 911 in case of emergency.

Call or text 988.
Chat 988lifeline.org.
TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Related Links

Behavioral Health

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Health and Wellness