Crisis & Inpatient Services

If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, there are resources to help. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support:

  • Local 24/7 emotional support and Crisis Line at Peace River Center 800-627-5906 or send ‘Talk’ to 863-204-3443.
  • The 988 Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the US. You can call or Text 988 for help.
  • To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 1-800-273-8255.

Mental health emergencies can happen anytime, and when they do, Lakeland Regional Health is prepared to help around the clock—24/7.

Our Crisis & Inpatient Services ensure that individuals facing severe psychiatric crises receive immediate, compassionate, and expert care in a safe environment. If you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts, a psychotic episode, severe self-harm behavior, or any mental health crisis that poses a risk to self or others, our team is ready to respond.

Why Lakeland Regional Health’s Crisis & Inpatient Services?

Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness is a designated Baker Act receiving facility. We also welcome and encourage patients to admit voluntarily for treatment. We have a dedicated and distinct unit for patients who admit themselves for care on a voluntary basis.

Inpatient treatment provides a structured setting for those who need intensive monitoring and stabilization. Typically, a short-term stay is focused on safety, medication stabilization, and starting therapeutic interventions.

Rapid Response in Emergencies: If you come to our ER (or are brought in by law enforcement or EMS) for a psychiatric crisis, you will be evaluated promptly by trained mental health professionals.

24/7: We have psychiatric providers on call 24/7 and a specialized area in the ER for behavioral health emergencies, minimizing wait times and ensuring a calmer environment for patients in distress.

Compassionate Experts: Our staff is skilled in de-escalation techniques and emergency medication management to help stabilize acute symptoms.

Continued Care: Our goal is to alleviate the immediate crisis, begin the healing process, and then coordinate the next steps for continued care (such as stepping down to our IOP or outpatient services) so that no one falls through the gaps.

Dignity and Respect: Our foremost priority is keeping patients safe while preserving their dignity. We employ trauma-informed care practices, recognizing that many patients have histories of trauma. This means we seek patient consent and cooperation whenever possible, explain each step of care to reduce fear, and involve patients in choices (like meal selection and activity preferences) to give a sense of autonomy.

Support and Collaboration: Families are kept informed (with patient permission) and can participate in treatment planning meetings or visitation according to our policies. Ultimately, our mission is to not only stabilize a crisis but also to instill hope. Even in an inpatient setting, we reinforce that you are not alone, we are in this together.

Locations Offering Inpatient Services:

harrell family center for behavioral wellness

Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness (ages 10+)

A Place Designed for Healing

Our inpatient behavioral health facility, the Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness, opened in 2022 and offers a healing environment for inpatient care. We provide emergency psychiatric evaluations in our Emergency Department and through a dedicated behavioral health triage. Patients who come to our inpatient facility receive round-the-clock care from psychiatrists, mental health nurses, and therapists.

Designed with input from mental health experts, it features:

  • 80k square feet
  • 96 beds & comfortable patient rooms
  • Natural sunlight
  • Inspiring artwork
  • Quiet spaces for meditation & outdoor sitting areas
  • Advanced technology and treatment
  • Friendly, caring staff and providers
  • Café
  • Patient Gym

Research shows that a healing environment contributes to better outcomes, and we’ve spared no effort in creating a space of dignity and hope for our patients. Even during a crisis, patients at Lakeland Regional Health find hope and comfort in a space created to promote recovery.

Multidisciplinary Expertise

In the hospital, patients are cared for by a full team of experts. Psychiatrists lead daily treatment planning, psychiatric nurses monitor mental and physical health around the clock, therapists provide group sessions, and therapeutic recreation specialists engage patients in activities (art, music, exercise) to aid recovery.

We also involve case managers who begin planning discharge from day one, arranging follow-up appointments, and any community resources needed. The presence of our psychiatry residency program means that energetic psychiatry residents (physicians in training) are also part of the care team, bringing fresh perspectives and additional attention to our patients. Attending psychiatrists closely supervise all care, ensuring academic rigor and quality.

When every moment counts, Polk County turns to Lakeland Regional Health. Our crisis and inpatient services are a beacon of hope and expert care for those in their darkest times. If you or someone you know is in crisis, remember that help is available 24/7, and you will be treated with respect, compassion, and skill at Lakeland Regional Health’s Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a therapist?

  • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD/DO) specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications, provide medical evaluations, and offer treatment for complex psychiatric conditions.
  • A psychologist (PhD or PsyD) is a doctoral-level mental health professional specializing in therapy, psychological testing, and behavioral interventions. They do not prescribe medication.
  • A therapist (LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT) is a master’s-level clinician who provides counseling and psychotherapy. They specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, emotional distress, and mental health concerns through evidence-based approaches.

Q: Which one is right for me?

  • If you think you may need medication to help with mental health symptoms, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner is the best place to start. If you are looking for therapy and emotional support, a psychologist or therapist can help.
  • Many people benefit from both therapy and medication, and our team provides coordinated care so you can receive both services in one place.
  • Not sure where to start? Call 863.687.1222, and we’ll guide you to the right provider.

Q: Can my family be involved in my treatment?

  • Absolutely! With your permission, family members can attend sessions, learn how to support you, and be involved in treatment planning.

Q: What is involved in the discharge process?

  • Everyone has unique needs, but in every situation, we will develop a treatment plan that includes follow-up care, crisis planning, and appropriate education for both our patient and their family or support person(s).

Q: After admission do I have use of my cell phone?

  • Patents are provided with access to a phone on the unit at all times and can access their phone for necessary contact information, but will not have their cell phone with them at all times.

Q: How long does a typical inpatient stay last?

  • Patients treatment will all be unique, but typically a stay at HFCBW is less than one week to get established on the road to recovery, hope and healing.

Q: Will I be put on medications?

  • A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will assess you to determine whether you would benefit from taking medication. The prescriber recommending medication will discuss the possible benefits, side effects and any other questions that you may have regarding your medication(s).  You or a parent/guardian (for minors) will be required to give consent prior to receiving any medications.

Q: What kind of activities will I do while I’m at HFCBW?

  • Everyday you will see your doctor and your social worker/therapist to review your individual treatment plan. In between these visits you will have access to a variety of groups and recreational and therapeutic activities such as: Chaplin group, dietician group, pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, outside time, and therapeutic recreational activities.

Q: Can I have visitors?

  • All patients have the right to have visitors and family involved in their care. There are set visitation times for each unit daily. However, the special needs of patients and families are always accounted for to accommodate the needs of the patient.

Q: Will anyone find out that I have been hospitalized?

  • Each patient has the right, within the law, to personal privacy and privacy of information. Patient information is discreetly shared within the treatment team. Written consent is required before information can be shared with other individuals, including outside doctors or therapists.

Q: How often do I need therapy?

  • Therapy is customized to your needs. Some patients attend weekly, while others may check in biweekly or monthly.

Q: How often will I need to see my psychiatrist?

  • It depends on your treatment plan. Some patients see their psychiatrist monthly, while others may only need check-ins every few months after finding the right medication.

Q: What if I don’t connect with my therapist or psychiatrist?

  • A strong provider-patient match is important for success. Let us know if you feel another provider might be a better match. Ask a member of our team for a provider transfer request form.

Q: Can I get medication and therapy at the same clinic?

  • Yes! We offer medication management and therapy services so you can receive both in one place.

Q: Do you offer virtual appointments?

  • Yes, we offer telehealth sessions for therapy and psychiatry when appropriate. Please discuss this with your provider to see if this is right for you.

Q: What if I need help between appointments?

  • We encourage patients to reach out if they’re struggling. If you need support, you can call our office to discuss options, including earlier appointments, additional therapy, or crisis services if needed.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

  • Call us at 863.687.1222, and we’ll guide you through the process.