Integrating Caregivers into Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Strategies for Navigating and Engaging in Services

Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization (IPH) is a necessary level of care within the mental health continuum that can provide life-saving treatment intervention to address an acute mental health crisis. However, when youth are admitted for IPH, their care can isolate them from their family, caregivers, and social supports given the restrictive nature of the treatment setting. Additionally, the individual is removed from daily activities such as school, socialization with peers, and other activities. This chapter focuses on the benefits of engaging caregivers during their child’s inpatient admission. An overview of the inpatient experience is provided to assist programs and caregivers in developing collaborations for care. Strategies and techniques for encouraging caregivers to participate in their child’s care and work with the inpatient treatment team are reviewed.