Prepare for a Brookhaven behavioral health stay

Prepare for a Brookhaven behavioral health stay

If you are scheduled for inpatient care at Brookhaven Hospital’s behavioral health unit, careful planning can help you feel more comfortable and focused on your recovery. This article covers what personal items you should bring, which items are not allowed for safety, how to manage your medications, and what to expect during admission and discharge. It also explains Brookhaven’s communication rules, privacy protections, and discharge planning, so you and your loved ones know how to prepare.

Brookhaven follows all US health and privacy regulations (HIPAA and Joint Commission standards) and uses routine safety checks in line with behavioral health best practices. If you have questions about what to bring or how to arrive, see the checklist below or contact Brookhaven’s admissions team via the patient portal or by phone.

What to bring to Brookhaven Hospital

Brookhaven allows only limited personal belongings to ensure safety. Bring essential items for your stay and leave valuables at home or with family. Your admission packet will list any specific forms to bring. In general, pack:

• Clothing: Bring a few days’ worth of comfortable, season-appropriate clothing (socks, underwear, shirts, pants, pajamas, bathrobe). Avoid clothing with strings, belts, hoods or other attachments. Laundry facilities are available onsite, so you do not need a suitcase.
• Medications and medical items: Bring all prescription and over-the-counter medicines (in original containers) and a current medication list. Also bring glasses, hearing aids, dentures, or other medical devices you use daily. The Brookhaven nurse will collect and manage these medications during your stay.
• Identification and insurance: Bring a government-issued photo ID, your health insurance card (or Medicare/Medicaid card), and any insurance pre-approval documents. These are needed at registration for your medical chart.
• Personal care items: Small items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and non-aerosol shampoo/soap are typically provided by the hospital. If you have prescription personal care products (e.g., medicated shampoo), check with Brookhaven ahead of time.
• Any authorizations or forms requested by Brookhaven (e.g. consent forms or arrival instructions) and emergency contact information for someone at home.

Items not listed above or not requested by Brookhaven may be left at home. Do not bring valuables (jewelry, large amounts of cash) – these will be held by hospital staff and returned at discharge.

Restricted items for safety

For everyone’s safety, Brookhaven will screen belongings and collect items that could be used for self-harm or harm to others. Common prohibited items include:

• Electronics: Personal cell phones, cameras, laptops, tablets, music players, and smart watches (devices with recording or internet access) are typically not allowed. You may be given permission to use a hospital phone or stationary computer for limited calls or messaging during your stay.
• Sharp or metal objects: Razors, scissors, nail clippers, metal combs, belts, shoelaces, or any item with strings or cords are not permitted. These will be removed for safety during intake.
• Personal care and toiletry restrictions: Aerosol sprays, nail polish, mouthwash (contains alcohol), and glass containers are not allowed. Brookhaven provides basic toiletry items.
• Food, candy, or drinks: Outside food, beverages, and candy are not permitted on the unit. Brookhaven has scheduled meals and snacks to meet dietary needs.
• Weapons or items that could be a weapon: No firearms, knives, pepper spray, or even items like aerosol sprays or glass containers are allowed. Brookhaven defines “weapon” broadly, so even items intended for self-harm (like belts, cords) will be held by staff.

Medications

Your current prescription and over-the-counter medications are an important part of your care. At Brookhaven:

• Bring all medications in original containers: On admission, Brookhaven nurses will review and reconcile your medications using the bottles and dosage information you provided. They will store and administer your medications according to the treatment plan.
• No loose pills: Do not bring loose pills or self-medicate. The nursing staff will manage dosages and timing. If you need a refill of a medication (like inhaler), bring an extra supply if possible or have a family member drop it off.
• Prescription and supplements: Include any vitamins or herbal supplements you take. (Some facilities restrict certain supplements; Brookhaven staff will ask about those during intake.)
• If you have a Medication Administration Record (MAR) or prior lab results, bring copies to help the care team make informed decisions.

Brookhaven staff will contact your outpatient providers or pharmacy if needed, but you should try to have enough supply on hand. If a medication adjustment or new prescription is needed at discharge, the psychiatrist or nurse will discuss this with you before you leave.

Comfort items

Small personal items can help you feel at home during your stay, but Brookhaven has restrictions to ensure safety:

• Allowed comfort items: A small photo or artwork (without glass frame), an MP3 player without internet/camera (if allowed by staff), a journal and pen, reading material, or a slim Bible/Quran. These items may be carried in pockets or kept on your person.
• Soft items: Sometimes a small stuffed animal or pillow is allowed for comfort, but Brookhaven typically provides clean sheets, pillows, and blankets. Check before bringing extra bedding.
• Items not provided: If you have a favorite blanket or non-metalic keepsake that meets safety rules, ask staff during intake. Note that many comfort items (like pillows or music players) may be kept in your locked bedside cabinet rather than in common areas.
• Leave bulky or valuable comfort items at home (or bring them to your family). For example, laptop computers and large cash are not needed and will be stored by Brookhaven if brought.

In general, bring only small items that you find soothing and that fit within Brookhaven’s safety guidelines. If in doubt, include it in your small packed bag and let staff decide during intake whether it can stay with you.

Authorized contacts & communication

Brookhaven respects your privacy and follows HIPAA rules. Only you (or your legal representative) can say who we may contact or share information with. During intake, you will be asked to provide an emergency contact and a personal representative if you choose.

• Emergency contact: This person (family member or friend) will be notified if an urgent situation arises, or when you are discharged. They can also ask questions about your well-being through approved channels.
• Sharing information: By default, staff will not share details of your treatment with family or others without your consent. If you identify someone as involved in your care, Brookhaven may update them on your general condition and next steps. For example, with your permission, we can tell them you are stable or who your treating doctor is.
• Communications: Personal calls or texts are usually limited. Cell phones are collected at intake and may be returned for limited use (for example, to call a family member) in designated areas. You can ask a nurse about contacting family or arranging a phone call during your stay.
• Mail or email: You may send and receive letters or e-messages through Brookhaven’s approved channels. All incoming mail is screened by staff before delivery to ensure safety (no contraband or harmful content).

If you have concerns about who should be contacted, discuss this with your intake nurse. You may update your authorized contacts at any time via the patient portal or by submitting a privacy consent form to Brookhaven’s medical records department.

Admission intake & safety checks

When you arrive for admission to Brookhaven, an intake nurse or psychiatrist will meet with you to review your medical and psychiatric history. This screening includes:

• Medical history: You’ll be asked about current symptoms, past psychiatric episodes, medications, allergies, and any medical conditions. Be honest about thoughts of self-harm or harm to others so staff can plan appropriate care.
• Safety and belongings check: Brookhaven staff will check your clothing and possessions for anything that could be a safety risk. You may be asked to remove belts, shoelaces, jewelry, and empty your pockets. Unsafe items will be kept by staff and locked in your locker or given to a family member.
• Consent forms: You will sign paperwork allowing Brookhaven to treat you, including HIPAA privacy forms and, if applicable, a release for any prior records. Ask the staff if any part of the paperwork is unclear.
• Unit orientation: You’ll be shown to your room or a common area. A nurse will explain the daily routine (mealtimes, therapy groups, quiet hours) and what personal time you have. Follow the staff’s instructions on where items can be kept (like the nurse’s station or bedside locker).
• During intake, feel free to ask questions about the unit rules, meal times, phone privileges, or when family can visit. Staff are there to help you feel safe and answer your concerns.

This intake process is routine at all psychiatric hospitals to create a safe, therapeutic environment for you and others. If you have cultural, religious, or disability needs (such as dietary restrictions or mobility aids), let the intake team know so they can accommodate you.

Privacy & behavioral health records

Brookhaven Hospital adheres to federal privacy laws. Your medical and psychiatric records are confidential and protected by HIPAA. This means:

• Your consent matters: Only hospital staff directly involved in your care will see your records. We will not release details of your treatment to others without your written permission, except in emergencies or by law (for example, in the case of a child safety concern).
• Family notification: With your approval, Brookhaven can notify your authorized family members or support person about your general condition and care plan. If you are incapacitated or unable to communicate, the hospital may notify a listed contact about your status as allowed by law.
• Mental health notes: Any psychotherapy or counseling notes are kept extra secure. You have the right to request restrictions on certain records, and to see or get a copy of most records in your chart. Ask patient records or your psychiatrist if you want more information about this process.
• Brookhaven staff will explain any consent or release forms during admission. If you have concerns about privacy, discuss them with your social worker or the hospital’s privacy officer. All patient questions are confidential.

In summary, Brookhaven will not share your personal health information beyond your care team without your consent. The hospital can, however, inform your family or friends about your location and general condition if it helps involve them in your recovery. You will be asked to sign paperwork acknowledging these rights and choices during intake.

Discharge & aftercare planning

Before you leave Brookhaven, the care team will work with you to plan your next steps in recovery. This usually includes:

• Follow-up appointments: You may need outpatient therapy or medication management. Brookhaven can schedule follow-ups with a psychiatrist or therapist and send your after-care plan to your providers (with your consent).
• Medications and prescriptions: The psychiatrist will review any medication changes and give you new prescriptions if needed. The discharge summary will explain your medications, dosages, and who prescribed them.
• Community resources: You may receive information on local support groups, crisis hotlines, housing or employment support, and other resources to help you outside the hospital.
• If you were involuntarily admitted, Brookhaven will review your legal status and any rights notices during discharge (such as who to contact if you disagree with the process).

Ask your nurse or case manager for copies of your discharge instructions and aftercare plan, and make sure you understand all of it. If you have transportation or follow-up visit questions, let your nurse know before you leave. You will also receive contact information for the Brookhaven aftercare coordinator in case questions come up after you go home.

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