Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital
Behavioral Health Services
Our Psychiatric Acute Care (PAC) Unit is a 16-bed emergency psychiatric hospital. This unit offers support for adults who are in need of evaluation, medication stabilization, and/or emergency psychiatric care, including involuntary hospitalization (Title 36).
Our qualified, compassionate staff offers 24-hour care in a safe, structured environment. Our employees provide medication monitoring as well as education and activity groups. The goal of the unit is to provide a structured and therapeutic setting which facilitates the stabilization of the individual. We provide resources and tools to empower members to succeed in mutually established goals and objectives -- with the ultimate goal of becoming a thriving member of the community.
What to expect during a PAC stay:
An average stay in the PAC is about 3-5 days, but will vary based on each person’s circumstances. The daily schedule includes structured groups, mealtimes, meeting with a provider, and recreation. Everyone is encouraged to participate in daily activities.
Within 24 hours of being admitted to the PAC, you will meet with a provider to discuss the concerns that brought you to the unit. You will also determine how you and the provider will know when you will be safe and ready to discharge from the PAC. A follow up appointment will be scheduled within a week of discharge. It is important to keep this appointment to help ensure your safety and to make sure any additional needs are addressed.
The Guidance Center is a smoke-free campus and facility. Nicotine lozenges or patches provided to patients in the PAC if needed.
People involved in your care while on the unit:
Your team consists of Registered Nurses, Behavioral Health Specialists, a Social Worker, Medical Providers (Physician’s assistant and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners), a Psychiatrist and insurance support staff. You will interact with many of these people who work together to help meet your needs as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Most times, people come in under an unplanned crisis situation, but if you are planning time in the PAC, you can bring up to three changes of acceptable clothing. Review the list of prohibited items so you know what not to bring. Please bring your ID and insurance cards. Items such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush and other toiletries are provided during your stay.
Information for Family Members/Visitors:
Often family members or close friends will want to visit a patient in the PAC unit. This is encouraged, and we often want to include these people in the treatment and safety plan. The safety and well-being of the patient is our first priority. Here are some helpful tips and information for family members.
Visiting Hours:
Monday-Friday 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Weekends/Holidays 2:00 p.m.to 5:15 p.m.
We take safety very seriously at The Guidance Center. For that reason, there are some items that are not allowed in the psychiatric hospital. Please keep this list in mind when you come to visit and as you consider items to bring your loved one during visiting hours.
Prohibited items:
- Medication
- Tobacco products
- Weapons
- Electronic devices
- Razors
- Make-up
- Obscene materials
- Food
- Drinks
- Drugs
- Substances containing alcohol
- Plastic bags
- Suitcases
- Purses
- Lighters/matches
- Wire-bound notebooks
- Pencils/colored pencils
- Jewelry
- Sharp or large hair pins
- Hardbound books
- Clothing with strings/shoelaces
- Hard soled boots
Title 36: According to A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 5: Mental Health Services, a person can be involuntarily committed for a psychiatric evaluation if there is evidence that the person is a danger to themselves or to others.
When someone is a danger to themselves or others, meaning that unless they receive urgent or immediate attention they will likely attempt or die by suicide or seriously injure someone else, any community member can complete a form called “Application for Emergency Admission for Evaluation”. The person will be brought to The Guidance Center’s crisis department either by the person completing the application or by law enforcement for an evaluation. Our providers will meet with the person to determine the next steps.
