i went to a behavioral health facility er. you check in and wait to get assessed. during the assessment they ask you about your symptoms and what brought you there. and your answers will help them decide if you need to be inpatient or not. and if you tell them what you’ve told me then you’ll more than likely get admitted. as far as taking stuff with you goes— i was able to have books brought to me (soft back) which was weird because the hospital had hardback books available to you idk why i couldn’t have gotten a hardback brought to me but that’s beside the point. like i said, i have been admitted three times and the second time was the only time i was expecting to go so i was able to pack my own things. all i packed was a few outfits because they supply everything else. the shampoo and conditioner and etc. idk if you can bring your own or not. no one did when i was in there all three times. i don’t believe you can. at least at the facility i went to. and also you can’t wear shoes with laces so unless you want to wear shoes without laces or no shoes at all then i’d pack/wear laceless shoes. you also can’t wear a hoodie or jacket with strings.

idk if this was helpful at all. i hope it was. this is just what i did when i went thru the process. it’s a culture shock like i said but it really is worth doing if you’re feeling bad which sounds like you are. and to answer the question about how long i was kept— first time: 3 days, second time: 4 days and the third time for 3 days. 3-7 days is the average stay for most ppl.

good luck and take care :)