* hospitals that treat only psychiatric problems * inpatient programs that specialize in stress management or the treatment of depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, and other problems Typically, fifteen to twenty-five patients of both sexes will reside in a hospital unit. Often a ward is divided, with men living on one side and women on the other. In private and many public hospitals, private and semiprivate rooms are available, depending on your ability to pay or your insurance coverage. Frequently, patients dress in everyday clothes rather than in hospital gowns and pajamas. There is usually a common dining area where patients can eat at tables seating two to four people. Day rooms are common--large areas with comfortable chairs and couches, a television, stereo, books, and games. If you were admitted to a hospital unit specializing in psychiatric care, you would probably see a psychologist or psychiatrist two or three times a week in individual sessions. It is likely, since your condition was serious enough to warrant hospitalization, that you will receive medication during at least part of your stay (see Chapter 16). If you are a voluntary admission, you will be asked to sign consent forms for treatment that is recommended to you. You do have a right to refuse treatment you do not want. A complete physical examination is routinely required to rule out underlying physical disorders. You may also be asked to take some written psychological tests, most being of the multiple-choice variety. Group sessions in hospitals are common. In forming groups attempts are made to choose people in ways that will be mutually beneficial. In part, these periods "in group" help to offset feelings of being alone in a strange environment. Activities are planned to combat monotony. They may, for example, include arts and crafts, sports, dancing, and day trips to museums or the movies. Staff members with whom you would have the most personal contact are members of the psychiatric nursing staff. Often, when former patients are asked who helped them while in the hospital, instead of mentioning the therapist, they name a {255} member of the nursing staff. Psychiatric nurses have received special training in psychiatry and often are a major source of human warmth and caring. Depending on your progress, you may be encouraged to return home during the day, or overnight, or for a weekend. As it becomes clear that you are improving, these periods may be lengthened to see how you handle the transition from the hospital, before being discharged.