Admissions

At North Tampa Behavioral Health, we are compassionate to the sensitive nature that surrounds mental health and substance abuse treatment, and we applaud those who make the courageous decision to receive care at our center. In order to make the transition into treatment as positive as possible, we strive to offer prospective patients a streamlined admissions process that provides them with a sense of comfort and security as they take this most important step toward becoming well again.

To determine whether or not North Tampa will be the most optimal place for each individual to receive the care that most appropriately meets his or her needs, our staff will conduct an initial assessment in order to gain a thorough understanding of each individual’s specific concerns.

• Prospective patients are able to be pre-screened over the phone; however, our staff attempts to schedule assessments face-to-face, as this eliminates one step in the admissions process.
• If an individual is pre-screened over the phone, he or she will still be required to come into our center to complete a more comprehensive assessment.
• Should an individual be unable to schedule a specific appointment time, he or she is welcome to arrive for an assessment at whatever time is convenient for him or her, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

During the assessment process, it will also be determined which level of care will most appropriately meet the needs of prospective patients. At North Tampa Behavioral Health, we offer the following levels of care:

• Inpatient treatment
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programming (IOP)

Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive inpatient care at North Tampa Behavioral Health:

• Aged 18 or older
• Has a primary psychiatric diagnosis
• Consistently demonstrates significant impairment that prohibits them from functioning in a less structured environment
• Perceived or demonstrated potential for serious harm to oneself or others
• Significant confusion or unpredictability that has the potential to lead to serious harm to oneself or others
• Significant behavior problems that have not responded to increased structure or a less restrictive treatment environment
• Combination of psychiatric/medical problems that require an intensive level of staff supervision and assistance
• Under the influence of and/or needs detoxification from drugs or alcohol
• Demonstrates some ability to actively participate in treatment and be able to work towards accomplishing treatment goals
• Able to assist in activities of daily living
• Legal status as voluntary or involuntary

Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive care in North Tampa Behavioral Health’s PHP:

• Aged 18 or older
• Symptoms or behaviors that could be treated must be present that would likely progress to a level of dangerousness or failure of self-care that would require inpatient treatment without a structured treatment setting of at least six hours duration each day
• Significant functional impairment is present, as evidenced by an inability to work or attend school, impaired self-care, and/or significant conflicts with the support environment
• The patient’s social environment may not be supportive, but is adequate for the individual to cope. PHP could help stabilize the social environment to an extent that would allow for continued treatment at a lower level of care.
• The patient has been discharged from a higher level of care and continues to require an intensive, structured treatment program to maintain progress and stability during a period of transition to a lower level of care.
• Able to assist in activities of daily living

Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive care in North Tampa Behavioral Health’s IOP:

• Aged 18 or older
• Serious symptoms or serious impairment in social, occupational, or family functioning that requires intensive and structured intervention
• The patient has adequate cognitive abilities, is able to accept responsibility for behavioral change, and is capable of developing skills to cope with his or her symptoms
• Able to complete activities of daily living

It is important to note that patients are not required to engage in inpatient treatment prior to stepping down to the PHP or IOP level of care. One’s admittance into any of the aforementioned programming options is based on presenting symptoms and clinical necessity. However, patients who have completed inpatient treatment may then step down to PHP or IOP, if deemed appropriate.

Individuals who cannot be treated at North Tampa Behavioral Health include the following:

• Patients requiring complex medical care (e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy, wound care, catheters, dialysis, acute infections, uncontrolled seizures, or those who cannot eat or attend to activities of daily living independently, etc.)
• Patients with a primary diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia with no other mental health symptoms presiding
• Patients with severe head trauma

At North Tampa Behavioral Health, it is the mission of our staff to ensure that every person who walks through our doors receives the comprehensive care that will not only be of most benefit to him or her, but that will set the stage for lasting healing and recovery.

If you or an important person in your life could benefit from the all-inclusive care that we offer here at North Tampa Behavioral Health, please do not hesitate to contact us today.