What to Expect

.

Preparing for your Stay

It’s understandable to feel uncertain or anxious about inpatient treatment. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where you can feel comfortable, ask questions and focus on what matters most: improving your mental health and moving forward with confidence. Through high-quality, evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment, we're here to help people take meaningful steps toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. Each person's journey is unique, so we encourage you to communicate openly with your care team, ask questions and actively participate throughout your time at Brentwood.

What to Bring

To help make your stay as comfortable as possible, please bring the following items with you:

  • Medications: Bring all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter medications and inhalers.
  • Clothing: Please bring five sets of clothing, including underwear and socks. Clothing should not have any strings or ties. Washers and dryers are available for patients to use during their stay.
  • Nightwear: Bring pajamas or other appropriate sleepwear.
  • Eye-care items: Bring any contact lenses, cleaning solution, eyeglasses, and/or eyeglass cases.
  • Toiletries: Bring personal toiletries that do not contain alcohol and are not aerosols. We will provide essential personal hygiene items, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and soap.
  • Unopened Cigarettes: Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas. Unopened packages of cigarettes may be brought with you upon admission.

The following items may also be brought with you. For your safety, they will be stored securely in a personal belongings locker and made available for use under supervision:

  • Cosmetics and Makeup
  • Hair tools such as curling irons, hair dryers, and straighteners
  • Electric razors
  • Musical instruments
  • Other electric items as approved

Dress Code

Brentwood's dress code is casual, and we want you to feel comfortable during your stay. To help maintain a safe and respectful environment, revealing clothing is not permitted, including halter tops, tube tops, fishnet shirts or overly-short shorts or skirts. Clothing should also be free of offensive or controversial messages.

Upon Arrival

When you arrive, our assessment team will take time to understand and evaluate your individual needs, including your symptoms, behaviors and current medications. This information will be used by our medical team develop a personalized treatment plan based on what will best support you. Depending on your needs, you may be admitted directly to inpatient care or referred to outpatient care for continued support.

During your Stay

During your stay, you’ll be supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who will work together to understand your needs, provide compassionate care and help you make progress toward your treatment goals.

Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Oversees your overall care, evaluates your progress and prescribes medications or other appropriate treatments.

Staff Nurse

Provides hands-on care throughout your stay, including administering medications, monitoring your recovery and sharing important observations with your treatment team.

Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Provides support with your daily routine and helps create a safe, caring environment throughout your stay.

Recreational/Activity Therapist

Uses activities such as games, crafts, creative expression, relaxation techniques and leisure education to support your treatment and progress.

Therapist/Social Worker

Provides individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches and helps connect you, your family and the rest of your treatment team throughout your care.

After Your Stay

Before you leave Brentwood, you’ll meet with a therapist to review your discharge plan and discuss next steps. This is an opportunity to ask questions, review your medications and make sure you understand any follow-up care.

When appropriate, your care team may recommend one of our outpatient treatment programs to provide continued support as you transition back to daily life.