Mental Health Counselors' Decision-Making Priorities Related to Inpatient Admissions for Anxiety Disordered Clients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Factors related to making decisions about whether or not a client should be admitted as an inpatient are poorly understood. Research focused on mental health counselors' decision-making priorities related to admission decisions for anxiety disordered clients is scant. This pilot study assessed which clinical factors most led mental health counselors to recommend an immediate inpatient admission among anxiety disordered clients presenting at a community mental health center. Results revealed that suicidality and inability to care for oneself strongly predicted the recommendations for an inpatient admission. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

To Hospitalize or Not: Making Difficult Decisions in Clinical Practice

“…The results are not terribly surprising. Commonly cited reasons for hospitalization include risk to self or others, inability to care for self, relief for caregivers, poor compliance with treatment, severe symptoms of major mental illness, and a need for rapid, thorough assessment and treatment (Bowers, 2005;Schwartz, Zarski, & Hilscher, 2004).…”

“…When the client and family have more information about diagnosis and prognosis, they may feel more comfortable and empowered to work together actively and effectively. Ongoing support from family and friends can also help prevent further hospitalizations (Schwartz et al, 2004).…”