Evaluation: What Happens After Admission?
After admission to Mississippi State Hospital, your loved one will begin a comprehensive evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is to help the treatment team understand your loved one’s needs, strengths, safety concerns, and treatment goals.
Because MSH patients are receiving care under an involuntary commitment, the treatment team carefully evaluates each patient to determine appropriate treatment and support.
What Does the Evaluation Include?
Members of the treatment team may evaluate:- Mental and behavioral health needs
- Medical and treatment history
- Medications and current treatments
- Trauma history and experiences
- Suicide and safety risks
- Cognitive functioning and other areas of concern
- Substance use and related treatment needs
- Social, family, and living circumstances
- Strengths, abilities, and support systems
Your loved one may participate in group therapy, coping-skills activities, substance-use counseling, and/or individual therapy when appropriate.
If there are significant behavioral concerns, the treatment team may develop an individualized behavior support plan to help promote safety and positive behaviors.
Safety Planning
Patient safety is a priority throughout treatment. If a patient is identified as having an elevated risk of suicide, the treatment team will develop a safety plan with the patient. When appropriate, a new safety plan will also be developed as part of discharge planning.
How Can Families Help?
Families often have valuable information that can help the treatment team better understand their loved one. With the patient's permission and as permitted by law, families may share information about:
- Medical and mental health history
- Previous treatment and medications
- Important life experiences or trauma
- Changes in behavior or functioning
- Strengths, interests, and preferences
- Family and community supports
- Concerns about safety
Families may also be contacted by Social Services when the patient has provided consent for communication.
Every patient is unique. The evaluation process helps the treatment team develop an individualized approach based on your loved one's needs, strengths, safety, and progress.