University of Utah Hospital – Inpatient Medical Psychiatry: Specialized Addiction Treatment
Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah Hospital’s Inpatient Medical Psychiatry unit offers specialized, comprehensive care for individuals facing the complex dual challenge of addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Understanding that substance use disorders often intersect with mental health issues, this program provides a holistic environment where patients receive highly individualized, evidence-based treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Integrated Care Approach
The core philosophy of the program is integrated care, ensuring that both addiction and mental health conditions are addressed simultaneously by a multidisciplinary team. This approach leads to more sustainable recovery outcomes than treating these issues in isolation. Patients benefit from continuous medical monitoring and psychiatric stabilization within a secure hospital setting, which is particularly vital during the initial stages of withdrawal and acute crisis.
Comprehensive Services
Treatment at the University of Utah Hospital is intensive and personalized. It leverages advanced medical and psychological interventions to facilitate long-term healing. The spectrum of services offered is designed to support the patient through every phase of recovery:
- Medically managed detoxification (Detox)
- Individual and group psychotherapy (CBT, DBT-informed approaches)
- Medication management for psychiatric stability
- Psychoeducational sessions on relapse prevention
- Discharge planning and linkage to outpatient resources
The Treatment Team
Patients are cared for by a dedicated team of professionals who specialize in the intersection of psychiatry and addiction medicine. This collaboration ensures a high standard of care and informed decision-making throughout the patient’s stay. The team typically includes board-certified psychiatrists, addiction specialists, registered nurses, social workers, and clinical therapists, all working together to create a safe and therapeutic milieu.
The goal of the Inpatient Medical Psychiatry unit is not simply abstinence but helping patients achieve profound personal change and develop the coping mechanisms necessary to manage their conditions effectively upon returning to their lives. By focusing on both the body and mind, the University of Utah Hospital provides a foundational path toward lasting recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program suitable for primary substance use treatment?
Yes, but the program specializes in individuals who require inpatient psychiatric stabilization in addition to addiction treatment, meaning those with co-occurring mental health disorders are prioritized.
How long is the typical stay in the inpatient unit?
The length of stay is highly dependent on the individual’s clinical needs and progress, often ranging from several days to a few weeks, focusing on medical and psychiatric stabilization before transitioning to less intensive care.
What types of therapeutic modalities are used?
The program utilizes evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, motivational interviewing, and group process therapy, all adapted for the inpatient setting.
