NCHHS - Cherry Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

NCHHS - Cherry Hospital - FAQs

State hospitals provide inpatient psychiatric care for individuals requiring intensive mental health treatment. These facilities serve patients who are civilly committed due to severe mental illness, as well as forensic patients—those involved in the criminal justice system who require psychiatric evaluation or treatment. State hospitals are typically operated by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services or a similar agency and focus on stabilizing individuals through medical intervention, therapy, and structured care.

1. What is a state hospital?
   A state hospital is a government-operated psychiatric facility that provides inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with severe mental illness. These hospitals serve both voluntary patients and those who are involuntarily committed due to safety concerns for themselves or others.

2. Who is admitted to a state hospital?
   Patients are admitted through civil commitment (ordered by a court due to mental illness and inability to care for oneself) or through the forensic system (those referred by the criminal justice system for psychiatric evaluation or treatment). Some state hospitals also accept voluntary patients, though space is often limited.

3. What is the difference between a civil commitment and a forensic commitment?
   A civil commitment involves individuals hospitalized due to mental illness that poses a danger to themselves or others, whereas a forensic commitment involves individuals referred by the courts for mental health treatment related to a criminal case. Forensic patients may be those deemed incompetent to stand trial, found not guilty by reason of insanity, or requiring psychiatric evaluation before legal proceedings.

4. How does someone get admitted to a state hospital?
   Admission typically requires a court order, either through a civil commitment process initiated by family members, law enforcement, or medical professionals, or through the criminal justice system for forensic evaluations. Some facilities accept voluntary patients, but most prioritize those with the most urgent psychiatric needs.

5. What types of treatment are provided in a state hospital?
   Treatment includes psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, occupational therapy, and life skills training. Patients may also receive substance abuse counseling and support for co-occurring disorders.

6. Are state hospitals the same as psychiatric wards in general hospitals?
   No. Psychiatric wards in general hospitals provide short-term stabilization for acute psychiatric crises, while state hospitals offer long-term treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with severe or persistent mental illness.

7. How long do patients stay in a state hospital?
   The length of stay varies depending on the patient’s condition, legal status, and treatment progress. Some individuals may stay a few weeks or months, while others with complex needs or forensic commitments may remain for years or indefinitely if they are considered a continued risk to themselves or the public.

8. Can a patient refuse treatment in a state hospital?
   Involuntary patients may be required to take medication and participate in treatment if deemed necessary by medical professionals and approved by a court. However, legal protections exist, and patients have the right to challenge their treatment through legal channels. Voluntary patients generally have more autonomy in their care.

9. Are state hospitals secure facilities?
   Yes, especially forensic units where patients are under legal custody. These units have controlled access, security protocols, and staff trained in crisis management. Civil commitment areas may have more flexibility, but safety remains a priority in all units.

10. Do patients have access to visitors while in a state hospital?
    Yes, but visitation policies vary by facility and patient status. Some patients have limited or supervised visitation, particularly in forensic units, while others may have more frequent visits depending on their treatment progress and behavior.

11. Can patients leave the state hospital at any time?
    Voluntary patients may discharge themselves, though medical staff will assess their readiness to leave. Involuntary patients must meet legal and medical criteria before being released, which often requires court approval.

12. Do state hospitals provide educational or vocational programs?
    Some state hospitals offer vocational training, life skills development, and educational opportunities to help patients transition back into the community. Programs may include job readiness training, social skills classes, and supported employment initiatives.

13. What rights do patients have in a state hospital?
    Patients have rights, including access to adequate medical care, humane treatment, legal representation, and appeal processes for involuntary hospitalization. Federal and state laws, such as the Mental Health Patient Bill of Rights, ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect.

14. How does a state hospital help forensic patients reintegrate into society?
    Forensic patients may transition through step-down programs, including supervised housing, community-based treatment, and conditional release programs. The goal is to provide continued mental health support while ensuring public safety.

15. Who pays for state hospital treatment?
    State hospitals are primarily funded by state and federal government programs, with costs covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or state mental health services. Patients with private insurance may have additional coverage, but involuntary hospitalization is typically state-funded.

16. Can patients have personal belongings in a state hospital?
    Personal belongings are allowed but may be restricted for safety reasons. Items such as sharp objects, medications, and electronics may be prohibited or require special approval. Each facility has guidelines on what is permitted.

17. What happens after a patient is discharged from a state hospital?
    Discharge planning includes connecting patients with outpatient services, medication management, therapy, and community resources to support their transition. Many patients enter supervised housing, outpatient mental health programs, or assisted living to maintain stability post-discharge.