Inpatient Psychiatry

man talking with a provider in a warm office setting.

For people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, brief hospitalization can provide immediate intervention in a managed environment to quickly address symptoms.

As part of one of the largest psychiatry programs in the country, UT Southwestern Medical Center’s experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and other behavioral health care professionals offer high-quality inpatient care with compassion and skill.

Treatment in Our Inpatient Units

When patients are admitted, our psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers use a team approach for crisis stabilization. Patients receive care in a controlled and peaceful environment.

Our team works closely with each patient to create an individualized treatment program that can include one or more of the following:

Family consultation
Comprehensive evaluation
Medication management
Group therapy
Individual psychotherapy
Specialty treatment using advanced approaches such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), ketamine infusion therapy, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as necessary
After-care program for continued outpatient management after patients leave the hospital

Experienced Care for Mental Health Crisis Management

The focus of inpatient care is to stabilize the patient’s symptoms, improve emotional well-being, and restore functional abilities to help patients manage their daily lives. Patients at UT Southwestern receive an intensive, individualized program that combines psychotherapy and medication within the safety of our inpatient units.

Our behavioral health professionals offer inpatient care specifically designed for the most challenging situations. People come to UT Southwestern because we offer:

Providers who specialize in crisis stabilization: Our psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other team members have specialized training in care for people with serious behavioral health problems. That means we are ready to help in any type of mental health crisis that children, teens, and adults might experience.
Comprehensive care that’s close to home: We provide inpatient treatment for patients of all ages at locations in Dallas and Plano:
- For children and teens at Children's Health and Children's Medical Center at Legacy
- For adults at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital
The latest, most advanced treatments: Our physician researchers participate in clinical trials studying new therapies to treat behavioral health disorders, providing patients access to advanced treatments that aren’t available at most hospitals.

Find out more about the conditions we treat in our adult psychiatry programs.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

UT Southwestern’s Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program offers a structured therapeutic approach for individuals who don’t require round-the-clock inpatient treatment but need more intensive support than outpatient therapy.

With a focus on fostering resilience, coping skills, and emotional regulation, our IOP empowers individuals to achieve lasting recovery and enhanced well-being while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities.

IOP participants undergo an initial assessment to determine their specific needs and challenges. Based on this assessment, we develop a tailored treatment plan, outlining the goals and objectives of therapy.

Criteria

At least 18 years old
Absence of suicidal and homicidal ideation (SI/HI)
Absence of psychotic features
Exhibits coherence, rationality, and cognitive ability to comprehend and assimilate the material presented during sessions

Group Topics

Cognitive distortion (CBT/DBT focused model)
Stress, anxiety, and your mental health
Dealing with depression
Healthy coping skills and mindfulness
Anger management
Healthy boundaries and relationships
Proper communication techniques
Problem-solving and decision-making

Location: Clements University Hospital, Fifth Floor, Orange Tower

Psychiatric Care for Medical and Surgical Patients

Our psychiatry and psychology professionals care for patients who are being treated in other departments at UT Southwestern, addressing mental health issues related to conditions such as stroke, heart attack, burns, head injury, or complicated labor and delivery.

Our mental health care team helps promote successful recovery using medication management, bedside psychotherapy, and behavioral medicine interventions to enhance patients’ physical and emotional well-being. They also educate hospital staff about the mental health issues that can affect patients under their care.

Visiting a Patient in the Behavioral Health Unit?

We’ve created a set of guidelines for anyone visiting our Behavioral Health Unit. Please review these before visiting the unit, and help us continue to provide a caring, healing, and safe environment.

Support Services

Our behavioral health professionals provide care for the whole patient – body, mind, and spirit. As patients transition from inpatient to outpatient care, we support their quality of life with support groups and other resources. These services can be tailored to meet the specific needs of patients and their families. Find out more about supportive services available for psychiatry and psychology patients.