Discharge Follow-Up Care

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

Mental illnesses are common – nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Caring for yourself during an episode of mental illness is a sign of your inner strength and empowerment. If you are struggling or worried about your mental health, please treat it as you would a physical health condition and see a mental health provider. For Community provider information, call the Behavioral Health Team toll-free at 1.844.297.4450, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

When a hospital stay is necessary, it is important that you follow through on next steps to recovery upon being discharged. A good follow-up care plan will help you manage your mental health as you return home and to your daily life.

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Why follow-up care is so important

Helps lower the risk of repeat trips to the hospital
Gives your doctor the chance to evaluate and adjust your medication
Helps you transition back home and work or school after a hospital stay
Helps you build on the progress you made during your hospital stay

For more resources on mental health, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics.

You can also visit the Stay Healthy links in our Mental Health and Well-being section.

Tips for your follow-up visit

Tell your doctor about your recent hospital stay.
Create a Mental Health Safety Plan with your doctor.
Make a list of your medications, and take your medication bottles with you.
Tell your doctor if you have side effects from your medication.
Do not stop taking medications before talking to your doctor.
Write down your doctor’s instructions and your next appointment.

When to call your doctor

Feel that your medications have not been helping
Feel hopeless or worthless
Have gained or lost weight
Feel irritated, restless, and/or aggressive
Have little interest in daily activities
Want to sleep more or less than normal

When to call our 24/7 Behavioral Health Hotline

Think you can’t stop hurting yourself or others
Hear voices that are new or more upsetting than normal
Think unusual things

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Local: 713.295.2294 | Toll-Free: 1.888.760.2600

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

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Local: 713.295.2222 | Toll-Free: 1.877.635.6736

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**Call toll-free at 1.877.343.3108. Press “1” if you are in a crisis.

Need help? Call the Behavioral Health Team toll-free at 1.844.297.4450, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.