Medical hospitals and health centers provide general and emergency medical care. In certain circumstances, medical hospitals and health centers may also play a role in your child’s mental healthcare.

Crisis Situations

A hospital or health center can be the main point of entry into the mental healthcare system in a crisis situation. For example, a case of self injurious behaviors or extreme emotional or behavioral crisis, a parent may bring their child into the medical hospital to get emergency medical care or to provide a stable and safe environment. They may then do an initial evaluation by asking basic questions and noting signs and symptoms before referring the child to a mental health specialist.

Outpatient Services

Certain medical hospitals, particularly those with large mental health departments, can provide mental health outpatient services, including evaluations, referrals, and treatments. Certain medical health centers may also provide outpatient services, such as counseling and psychotherapy.

Consultation Services

In cases where a child is hospitalized for a medical condition and may have a co-existing mental health issue, a psychiatrist or psychologist on the hospital staff will evaluate the child’s mental health.