Psychiatric hospitals, also known as
mental hospitals and
psychiatric wards (
"psych" wards) when they are a sub-unit of a regular hospital, are
hospitals or wards specializing in the treatment of serious
mental disorders, such as
clinical depression,
schizophrenia, and
bipolar disorder. Psychiatric hospitals vary widely in their size and grading. Some hospitals may specialize only in short-term or outpatient therapy for low-risk
patients. Others may specialize in the temporary or permanent care of residents who, as a result of a psychological disorder, require routine assistance, treatment, or a specialized and controlled environment. Patients are often admitted on a
voluntary basis, but people whom psychiatrists believe may pose a significant danger to themselves or others may be subject to
involuntary commitment.