5 Key Differences Between A Psych Ward & A Mental Hospital

Mental HealthMay 16, 2024

Curious about the differences between a psych ward and a mental hospital? You are not alone. With the mental health conversation gaining traction, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between these two often-confused terms. Psych ward vs. mental hospital: What is the difference, you ask?

Cotton Bro / Pexels / Although a psych ward and a mental hospital both provide crucial services, they differ in purpose, structure, and treatment approach.

What Is a Psych Ward?

A psych ward (short for psychiatric ward) is a specialized unit within a general hospital, focusing on short-term care for individuals with acute mental health issues. If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis that can not be managed in a regular healthcare setting, they may be admitted to a psych ward.

So, think of it as a fast-acting intervention that helps stabilize a person before they can transition to outpatient care.

What Is a Mental Hospital Then?

A mental hospital, on the other hand, is a facility entirely dedicated to treating mental illness. It offers comprehensive, long-term care for individuals needing intensive support.

Mart / Pexels / Unlike a psych ward, a mental hospital is a stand-alone facility that is entirely dedicated to treating mental illnesses.

While psych wards provide immediate stabilization, mental hospitals focus on deeper rehabilitation, often catering to people with chronic or severe mental health conditions.

Psych Ward vs. Mental Hospital: What is the Difference?

When comparing a psych ward vs. mental hospital, the length of stay is a significant difference. Psych wards typically aim for a short-term stay, often ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. Their primary objective is to stabilize patients in crisis before referring them to less intensive outpatient care.

In contrast, mental hospitals provide long-term care for those who need it, sometimes lasting several months or even years. Their role is to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to help patients achieve the best possible quality of life.

Level of Security

Another critical difference between a psych ward vs. mental hospital is the level of security. Psych wards generally have fewer security protocols due to their short-term nature and the fact that patients are often referred to less intensive treatment post-stabilization. However, some psych wards do have locked doors for safety.

Mental hospitals vary significantly in their security levels, depending on the patient population. Some are secure facilities with controlled access and monitored movement for high-risk individuals. On the Other hand, others are open facilities with greater freedom, catering to patients with lower security needs.

The Difference in the Type of Treatment

The type of treatment offered also sets the psych ward and mental hospital apart. Psych wards mainly focus on crisis intervention, providing urgent psychiatric care, medication management, and short-term therapy. The treatment is quick and aimed at reducing immediate symptoms.

Cotton Bro / Pexels / One of the key differences between a psych ward and a mental hospital is the type of treatment they offer.

However, mental hospitals offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities, from psychotherapy to occupational therapy. They cater to patients needing a thorough, multi-disciplinary approach, involving group therapy, skill-building activities, and long-term medication management.

Facility Size & Structure

Psych wards are smaller units, usually located within general hospitals. Their design is more straightforward, with fewer specialized amenities due to their focused treatment goals and shorter patient stays.

On the other hand, mental hospitals are standalone facilities offering extensive infrastructure for comprehensive care. They often feature different wards or departments for varying levels of care and specialization. You will find more amenities, like gyms or outdoor spaces, fostering a holistic approach to long-term rehabilitation.