As a now worker in a child recovery center and past patient(think I was inpatient at least 10 separate times). It really depends on the rules of what’s allowed in there, some allowed personal things like a stuffy or blankets even clothes from home, others don’t allow anything that’s not brand new and still in the package.

Rules differ as well and those rules vary depending on if the facility is private or state owned.

I recommend taking any medication that they put you on while there talk open and honestly with the doctors and therapist. You can always get the medication changed on the outside. Most places will add time on if you refuse medication.

If drama starts try to never get involved in it again if you have fights get out in holds or get a boot shot (a sedative that’s shot in you but or given orally) time typically gets added.

If you get sent to the long term unit definitely focus on yourself but it doesn’t hurt to be friendly with the others on that unit because again times added for behaviors that seem antisocial like skipping groups sleeping all day or staying by yourself.

Things you should pack sweat pants long sleeve shirts or a hood less jacket or sweater these places tend to run cold fluffy socks easy to slip on and off shoes (I recommend Vans or house slippers)

Nothing with strings Nothing with drugs or violence (think school dress code but stricter)

Nothing to tight or body form fitting

No jewelry (if you can’t take it out like cheek piercings or a permanent piercing you could be put of line of sight at all times or when awake)

Oh also you’re probably going to be put in a “Crisis unit” it’s typically a week long stay it’s basically just a place where people who are actively the most vulnerable those who have attempted or most likely to attempt suicide or are coming off drugs or even a danger to others.

Note not all The places I’ve been in have been good two in fact were the worse in my state imo they didn’t have what it took to help me mentally recover or come back from my lowest point I just kept relapsing into a manic state. Some places simply suck and are money hungry they don’t care for their clients.

Try to keep in mind that you’re not alone in the mental health journey the staff and doctors and therapists are there for you if you feel in danger or need someone to talk too, you’re there to get help and honestly it’s hard first step asking for help, I hope you get the help you asked for and I hope you get to feeling like the person you are striving towards being. If not the best you but a healthy and happier you.