The Function and Evolution of Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization

Acute mental health services are a critical element in the continuum of mental health care. The setting in which treatment is provided for acute mental health crises is often the inpatient psychiatric unit (IPU). IPUs have been a staple of service within the mental health care continuum, and while most IPU settings have been slow to modify and change their structure in line with science-based practice and health and wellness literature there are some important changes that have occurred over the past several decades. Additionally, the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a notable and likely lasting impact on this level of care. This chapter provides an introduction to the current handbook and highlights the areas addressed throughout the book. A brief history and overview of development, advancement, and future directions for care in these acute mental health settings is provided.