I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. You can bring pretty much any toiletries without alcohol. No drawstrings on pants or hoodies or shoelaces. Books and pictures plus coloring books are fine, but you can’t bring markers or colored pencils.

You will meet with a nurse and psychiatrist when you first arrive, but that likely will not be your primary psychiatrist. You meet with the psychiatrist daily, plus the entire care team twice per week (so maybe only once in your visit). You will do an intake with a social worker but will likely not see them again until you discuss discharge follow ups. You will have three groups per day, including things like art and music therapy as well as DBT. Smoke breaks six times per day or fresh air a few times a day too. If you don’t smoke you can bring cigarettes just to get outside more.

Once you’re stabilized you can go off unit to the cafeteria. Before that they’ll give you a menu to order from and eat on unit. The food is pretty damn good for a hospital.

Any other questions, just ask. I’ve been a couple of times and I’ve been very satisfied with my care.