What happens when my child is admitted to the hospital for suicidal thoughts or behavior?

Sometimes a child has to be admitted to the hospital to keep them safe from self-harm or suicide. Your child will be taken to the hospital by an ambulance, police or by you, the parent. In most cases your therapist or doctor will have called ahead to let the hospital staff know you are coming. When your child arrives experienced doctors and nurses will evaluate him. If your child is aggressive or out of control, he may be given medication to calm down. Usually a physical exam is also done to identify any medical issues that need care. A treatment team will meet to gather information and decide how to best treat your child. Individual and/or group counseling will start as soon as possible. You will be asked to sign consent forms so the hospital staff may talk to your child's teachers and doctor. Your child may stay at the hospital for a few days, a week or even longer depending on his condition.

Some questions you should ask before leaving the hospital are:

• When can I visit my child?
• When can I call my child?
• How will my child be monitored to keep him from harming himself?
• How often will I be given updates of my child's condition?
• Who is the doctor in charge of treating my child?
• Will I be involved in the treatment planning?
• Will I be notified of medications my child is given?