Frequently Asked Questions

Warning message

This form submits changes to your default configuration and may need to be entered from aurora.boxcarstudiodev.com.

Do I need help?

If you, a friend, or someone you love thinks you might be struggling with an emotional or substance abuse problem, help is just a phone call away.  Please call our Assessment & Referral Department at 1.877.755.4907 for a free and confidential assessment.  The assessment is conducted by a licensed mental health professional and assists in determining the appropriate treatment level of care.  During the assessment, the licensed mental health professional will gather details regarding your concerns and current physical, psychological and emotional health.  Assessments are reviewed with a board-certified psychiatrist who will make treatment recommendations, always advising the least restrictive level of care.

What kind of services do you provide?

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital offers a full continuum of care for children, adolescents and adults:

  • Child, Adolescent & Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health
  • Adult Medical Detoxification and Chemical Dependency Treatment
  • Mental Health & Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Services for Adults 

What do you treat?

We treat a variety of mental health and chemical dependency issues. Common reasons for admission are:

  • Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
  • Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Poor impulse control
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempt(s)
  • Self-harm behaviors
  • Threatened, attempted or engaged in physical violence to others
  • Substance abuse
  • Delusions, hallucinations, schizophrenia
  • Stabilization on medication / medication adjustments

Who can refer patients to Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital?

  • Family members or friends of a patient
  • Emergency rooms
  • Counselors/therapists
  • Psychiatrists/psychologists
  • Mental Health Crisis Teams
  • Clergy 
  • Family Practice/Internal Medicine/Pediatric Physicians
  • The person seeking help may also call

What Information will I need to bring during the assessment/admissions process?

  • All mental health issues you are experiencing
  • Any medical conditions you may have
  • Demographic information (i.e. address, phone, etc.)
  • Driver’s License/Identification Card
  • Your insurance information

Will my health insurance cover my stay?

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital accepts most insurance.  If a patient presents with an insurance that is out of network, we will try to work with that insurance company to approve the hospital stay.  

For more information regarding our rates or to find out if your insurance covers these services, please contact our Admissions and Referral Department at 1.877.755.4907 

What happens when I get there?

To ease your mind, here is a step by step guideline of our admitting process, so you know what to expect.

  1. The admitting process starts with you coming in for an interview, nothing formal, we want to make sure we meet your needs. 
  2. You will begin with filling out registration forms, once completed, our intake staff will meet with you for an evaluation to identify the services you may need. 
  3. After the interview, intake staff will check for insurance benefits, eligibility and obtain authorization for your treatment.
  4. Next, the nurse will come to assess your medical conditions to ensure we have the medical capabilities for you to receive treatment in our facility.
  5. Intake staff will then contact a psychiatrist to have you placed under their care. 
  6. Once these steps are approved and all forms are completed/signed, the admission process will be complete.

How do we help you after you are admitted?

During your hospitalization, age appropriate intensive services are provided and aftercare plans are created so the recovery process may continue in the appropriate setting. Treatment involves many components: assessment, education, individual therapy, group therapy, medication, meditation, recreation, relaxation training, and a structured schedule that is followed throughout each day.

How long is the stay for inpatient services? 

The goal of inpatient care is crisis stabilization; therefore patients generally do not stay long. All lengths of stay are based on medical necessity and vary on the individual and the severity of their condition. A patient’s stay will be determined through consultation with one’s treatment team, under the direction of the attending psychiatrist. A Care Manager will work with you to arrange continued care and support outside the hospital after you discharge.

What should I bring with me?

Each unit has a washer and dryer available to do laundry free of charge.  Please bring four days’ worth of clothes, pajamas, socks, undergarments, and a pair of slip-on/Velcro shoes. Please make sure toiletries are in their original plastic containers.  Please no glass or aerosol containers.  Any clothing with drawstrings, belts, wires, laces are not permitted.  Please bring any medication you may be taking.  This will help us prescribe the correct medication and dosages.  We will provide you with medication during your stay.

What items are not allowed at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital?

  • Any type of electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods, iPads, laptops, cd players, etc.
  • Jewelry
  • Any alcohol and/or illegal substances/drug paraphernalia
  • Tight fitting/revealing clothing, clothing that has profanity/depicting drug or alcohol use, gang related, etc.
  • Belts and clothing with drawstrings
  • Food and beverage, unless ordered by the doctor for religious or cultural reasons (all meals and snacks will be provided)
  • Shoelaces

What can I expect from the discharge process at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital?

Continuing care planning begins at the day of admission and is coordinated with your treatment team and case manager.  You and your assigned case manager will develop a comprehensive continuing care plan that includes, but is not limited to; follow-up appointments with aftercare providers, crisis plan, and support group information.

How much medication will I receive when I am discharged from the hospital?

Upon leaving the hospital, you will receive a prescription from your physician if appropriate to help you maintain your medication.  While it may vary on a case by case basis, the typical prescription is for a month’s supply.  You can discuss this with your physician prior to discharge.  

Will I get any paperwork when I discharge?

Upon discharge you will receive a copy of your continuing care/discharge plan.  This document will list you’re your aftercare appointment(s), your individual safety plan, as well as information regarding your diagnosis and discharge medication, as appropriate.