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Information For Patients

A Message From Our Treatment Team

Hello to you all! If you have been referred to our program, we hope this will answer some of your questions and give you some reassurance. When thinking about inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, we ask you please to keep an open mind. Try to push away portrayals that are frightening and confusing. Instead, listen to what some of our former patients have to say:

  • “I was really scared when I got to the hospital. But it was nothing like I expected. Everyone was really nice.”
  • “It was such a relief not to have to pretend everything was OK, to be able to be real.”
  • “Whenever I needed to talk there was someone there to listen.”
  • “I didn’t always like what they [the staff] had to say but I always knew they would be honest with me. That was important.”
  • “You saved my life.”

Why People Come To Our Program

  • Because someone – frequently a teacher, counselor, or family member – is very concerned about them
  • To get help by placing them on a legal “hold” as a danger to themselves or others
  • If they are gravely disabled

How We Can Help

  • We are a short-term crisis hospitalization program for adolescents between 11 and 17 years old.
  • Adolescents stay here for an average of 3-5 days.
  • We have a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers who specialize in and love working with adolescents.
  • We have two simple goals for everyone: to keep you safe and to help you. 
  • We will work with you to figure out what is troubling you the most and how we can help.
  • We genuinely care about what we do and we care about you as a unique individual.  

During Your Time With Us, You May

  • Meet with a psychiatrist for one-on-one therapy every day and explore whether or not medications might be helpful
  • See a medical doctor about any physical problems
  • Spend time with nursing staff and therapy group leaders exploring the topics that most concern you
  • Use things like art, writing, and yoga to help you renew, express, and learn about yourself
  • Find ways to experience yourself and your life in a more positive way
  • Meet and form a support network with other teens who are going through a difficult time
  • Have an opportunity to visit with your family and talk with the people you choose by phone
  • Meet with your family or other caregivers and a family therapist to explore your next steps together
  • Make a plan for staying safe and continuing to expand your coping skills after you leave the hospital

We encourage you take an active role in your treatment.  We want you to have a voice and to feel heard and supported. After all, this is about you!

With much caring,

The Treatment Team at McAuley

For More Information

For more information about our programs, please call us at (415) 750-5649 (inpatient unit) or (415) 750-5580 (outpatient unit).