Our Admissions Process

Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital provides treatment for adults age 18 and older, including a specialized unit for senior adults age 55 and older. Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital for Children & Teens offers tailored care for young people ages 5-17. 

Our compassionate and experienced team of professionals provides clinically excellent care for people who are suffering from symptoms of most mental health concerns, including the following: 

• Depression 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Schizophrenia 
• Borderline personality disorder 
• Gender identity disorder 
• Psychosis 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) 
• Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Self-harm 

It is not uncommon for people to experience symptoms of multiple mental health disorders at one time. We aim to provide patients with truly comprehensive care that addresses all their symptoms. That’s why we develop treatment plans that include care for a number of co-occurring concerns, including the following: 

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns 
• Eating disorders 
• Panic disorder 
• Phobias 

Our team can also offer support for those who are facing co-occurring substance use concerns. We can address addictions to alcohol, benzos, opioids, marijuana, and stimulants.  

We can also serve patients who are struggling with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder.  

Generalized criteria for admission include: 

• Impaired judgment 
• Unmanageable behaviors 
• Imminent danger to self or others 
• Suicidal or homicidal ideation 

Please note that this is not a full list, and anyone who believes that they may need treatment can receive an assessment through which our team will determine if we can provide care that will be of benefit to them. 

Any potential patient can receive an assessment anytime, 24/7, at no cost to them. Our team can also schedule appointments for on-site assessments. 

Potential patients can begin the admissions process by calling us directly, visiting our hospital, or being referred to us by another facility. While the initial contact may occur over the phone, we continue the admissions process in person at our hospital.  

Our streamlined admissions process consists of the following: 

• Initial screening: A member of our admissions staff completes a screening with the patient to gather general information about their presenting symptoms and determine if our facility may be a beneficial option for them. 
• Safety assessment: All patients complete a safety assessment with our intake staff before starting the formal admissions process. 
• Registration: After completing the safety measures, the patient meets with a mental health professional for registration. 
• Thorough evaluation: The patient then meets with a master’s-level or licensed clinician for a comprehensive evaluation.  
• Clinical review: A clinician reviews the results of the assessment with an on-call psychiatrist to determine the appropriate level of care and support for the patient. 
• Insurance verification: If we believe that any of the programs we offer can meet the patient’s needs, the clinician contacts the patient’s insurance provider, if applicable, to begin the next step in the admissions process. 
• Treatment authorization and admission completion: Once the clinician speaks with the insurance provider and obtains treatment authorization, the patient receives all relevant paperwork to confirm their consent to receive treatment, which includes a copy of the patient’s rights and information about the unit or program in which they will be receiving treatment. The patient also receives information verbally about what they can expect as they begin treatment. 
• Beginning treatment: Once the patient successfully completes the admissions process, they meet with their care team, receive a personalized treatment plan, and begin their healing journey. 

Other admissions details include: 

• Patients who arrive at our facility as walk-ins or from nonhealthcare settings, such as schools, also undergo a thorough medical screening conducted by a registered nurse (RN).  
• For adolescents who are seeking treatment in one of our programs, we require verbal consent from their parent or guardian, which can be obtained over the phone.  

At Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital and Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital for Children & Teens in Chicago, Illinois, our goal is to create a welcoming and safe therapeutic environment for patients during their treatment journey. For this reason, we have certain requirements regarding items patients can and cannot bring with them to our facility. 

Patients should bring the following items: 

• Insurance card and a valid form of identification  
• Two changes of clothing that do not have strings, straps, or belts 
• Any current medications that were prescribed by a physician or a list of these medications, including dosage and frequency 

Patients may also bring cellphones, but they will not have access to them while in treatment. They can, however, access our facility’s phones during designated times. Patients do not need to bring hygiene products, as we provide those for them. If a patient must use hygiene items per a doctor’s order (e.g., medicated shampoo), they may bring those.  

While all personal belongings will be secured, we highly encourage patients to leave jewelry, electronics, large sums of money, and any expensive items at home. Additionally, patients should not bring food with them. 

If you have any questions about our admissions process or the services we offer at Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital or Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital for Children & Teens, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.