Preparing for Hospitalization

Here’s some helpful information you’ll need to make your stay at Van Nuys Behavioral Health Hospital a better experience. To facilitate being admitted to the hospital, please call and speak to an intake representative at (800) 565-0558.

For your comfort and safety, there are several things to keep in mind prior to being admitted as a patient at our hospital:

• Do not wear jewelry and remove all body piercings at home.
• Leave all valuables and money at home.
• Do not bring laptops, as we are not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.
• Bring a list of your medications and allergies.
• Personal hygiene items will be provided by the hospital.

Advance Directive

This is a written statement of a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment. Its purpose is to ensure those wishes are carried out should a patient be unable to communicate them to a healthcare provider.

Usually, an advance directive includes both a Declaration and a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare in one document. Having both is the strongest basis for legal enforcement. Should you have any questions about advance directives, a member of the social services team will assist you.

As a patient, you have the right to have your written statement of your wishes regarding medical treatment. Its purpose is to ensure those wishes are carried out should you be unable to communicate them to a healthcare provider. For more information, call (818) 787-1511.

Social Workers

Our social workers act as advocates and advisors, assisting our patients, answering questions from patients and their loved ones, managing crises, and directing patients to needed resources. They also are available to advise caregivers, counsel patients, and help plan for a patient’s needs after discharge by arranging for after-care services and/or intensive outpatient treatment.

If you have questions about your care, ask to speak with the charge nurse or someone from administration at (818) 787-1511. Our goal is to resolve any issues you encounter before you leave the hospital.

To speak with a mental health intake specialist 24/7, call (800) 565-0558. For general questions, call (818) 787-1511.