

Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It influences our ability to handle stress, relationships, and daily decisions. This FAQ section provides answers to common questions about mental health, including symptoms, treatment options, and available support, helping you or others achieve better emotional well-being.
Acute Psychiatric Care
What is Acute Psychiatric Care?
Acute psychiatric care provides intensive, inpatient support to individuals experiencing severe emotional, behavioral, or psychological distress. The goal is to stabilize their condition with 24/7 care, therapy, and medication management in a safe environment.
How do I know if someone needs acute psychiatric care?
People who are having a mental health crisis, displaying self-harm behaviors, have suicidal thoughts, are aggressive, or are completely unable to carry out their daily functions may require acute psychiatric care. A mental health professional should be consulted in these cases.
What are the treatments that are involved in Acute Psychiatric care?
Treatment involves individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and the support of a multidisciplinary team. The treatment is therefore tailored to suit the needs of an individual for an effective recovery process.
How long does someone typically stay in acute psychiatric care?
It depends upon the severity of the condition, progress during the treatment course, and the readiness of the patient to be discharged. In general, stays are anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Is a specific mental health condition treated in acute psychiatric care?
Yes, acute care addresses conditions like severe depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse disorders, and other urgent psychiatric concerns requiring immediate intervention.
Can family members visit or stay with the patient?
Most facilities allow family visits but may have specific protocols to ensure the patient’s well-being. Limited stays might be facilitated based on individual needs, but minimizing emotional stimulation during the recovery process is often recommended.
Is full recovery possible in acute psychiatric care?
The goal is to stabilize and prepare the person to cope better with their mental health. Most conditions require an ongoing management course, but acute care is the setting that lays a foundation for further recovery and rehabilitation back into living life.
What facilities are available to the patients?
Patients are often provided with private, comfortable rooms, nutritious meals, access to recreational areas, and round-the-clock nursing and medical support. These amenities ensure a balance between physical comfort and mental healing.
Will there be aftercare support once the patient is discharged?
Most facilities offer discharge planning, which includes connecting patients with outpatient therapy, support groups, and follow-up appointments to ensure continuity of care after leaving the hospital.
How to Prepare Ahead for an Acute Psychiatric Care Facility?
Patients are encouraged to bring essential personal items like clothing, toiletries, and any prescribed medications. Electronics, sharp objects, or valuables may not be permitted to maintain safety.
Intensive Care Unit
What exactly is an ICU, and who needs it?
An ICU is a dedicated unit that addresses the care needs of those with critical health problems, whether physically or psychologically. It is specifically for those individuals who require continued monitoring, instant medical intervention, or assistance when experiencing acute conditions to prevent and ensure safety during recovery.
How is an ICU different from a regular hospital ward?
How do I know that my loved one needs ICU care?
Can families visit patients in the ICU?
Is the ICU safe for patients with psychological needs?
How long would a patient remain in the ICU?
What type of staff is available in the ICU?
Can a patient be transferred to the ICU from home?
What can I expect in terms of ICU facilities?
Does ICU care really matter?
Geriatric Psychiatry
What exactly is Geriatric Psychiatry, and how can it improve my loved one’s quality of life?
Merlin Health is dedicated to providing specialty care for older adults who have mental illnesses, such as dementia, depression, or anxiety. We work to help your loved one not just manage symptoms but truly thrive, enhancing their emotional well-being and helping them feel understood and supported in this stage of life.
How can I tell if my elderly parent might need psychiatric support?
It’s not always easy to know, but if you’re noticing things like memory loss, difficulty with daily tasks, changes in mood, or withdrawal from social activities, these could be signs that your loved one may need professional mental health support. At Merlin Health, we take a compassionate approach to assess and guide you through the next steps.
What are the most common mental health challenges that older adults face?
As people age, they might face mental health conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, or anxiety. Our Merlin Health team focuses on comprehending patients’ emotional and cognitive needs to provide tailored care that improves their everyday lives and sense of well-being.
Can you help my loved one who is struggling with Alzheimer's or dementia?
Yes, we specialize in managing Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms. That’s why we offer both medical and emotional support. Through personalized treatments, we improve cognitive function, control mood changes, and ensure that patients lead fulfilling, comfortable lives despite the challenges of these conditions.
How can Merlin Health help our family cope with a loved one’s mental health issues?
It’s tough when a family member faces mental health struggles, and we understand that. Our team works not only with your loved one but with the whole family, offering counseling, emotional support, and strategies to manage caregiving and improve family dynamics during these challenging times.