What is the difference between a psychiatric hospital and a general hospital?
The main distinction between a psychiatric hospital and a general hospital is that the former is setup to provide specialized care related to mental health. A psychiatric hospital is typically equipped to handle a wide variety of mental health needs, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, crisis stabilization, and psychological evaluations. These facilities are often staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, and nurses who specialize in mental health services and treatments. In contrast, a general hospital is more focused on physical health needs and is equipped to handle both inpatient and outpatient care related to a variety of physical ailments. These hospitals are staffed by a variety of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists. While some general hospitals may offer some mental health services, they are typically limited and not the primary focus of the facility. Under Pennsylvania mental health law, a psychiatric hospital is a facility or part of a facility that is primarily focused on the care and treatment of mental disorder. This includes psychiatric, residential, or chemical dependency services. In order to be considered a psychiatric hospital, the facility must be certified by the state and meet all applicable standards.
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