Medical-Psychiatric (Med-Psych) Unit

Medical-Psychiatric (Med-Psych) Unit at PIW: Why Choose Us?

The Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW), located in Washington, D.C., is among the few programs in the area with a medical-psychiatric (med-psych) unit. This specialized inpatient setting is for people who need support for mental health and medical conditions at the same time.

We have a long-standing history of helping people from D.C., Maryland and Virginia recover from severe mental health issues. Our med-psych unit is an extension of this commitment. We help the people from our community with the greatest needs access additional options for healing.

Highlights of our program include:

• Compassionate approach: For decades, PIW has welcomed people going through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. No matter how tough things are for you right now, you’re met with kindness and a simple question: How can we help? This spirit of connection is part of what makes treatment here feel different.
• Connected care: Our med-psych unit helps address the need in our community for integrated medical and psychiatric services, caring for people with a chronic condition who need psychiatric care. You receive attention for medical issues, like diabetes, making it a little easier to focus on your mental health.
• Positive results: Many people leave PIW feeling better than they did at admission, and patient feedback reflects this. If other treatments haven’t worked, we’re here to help you try something different. We focus on your goals and help you take steps toward what matters most to you.
• Leadership: Through psychiatry residency and nursing programs, we are helping train future generations of mental health providers.

Get a No-Cost Assessment

We’re available 24/7 to perform assessments for inpatient services. A mental health professional speaks with you at no cost to learn more about your symptoms and needs. We also discuss what to expect and help you take the next steps toward feeling better.

To get started, call us at 1-800-369-2273. For non-urgent inquiries, you can also fill out our online appointment request form.

Are Integrated Medical and Psychiatric Services at PIW Right for Me?

You can count on us for focused, compassionate medical care while you receive inpatient mental health services. Experienced nurses and other clinicians provide monitoring for issues like diabetes and high blood pressure that need daily attention. We work together to deliver seamless services tailored to your needs.

We frequently care for people with medical issues such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic pain conditions
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Hypertension
• Medically stable heart failure

Inpatient Mental Health: What to Expect

Your robust daily schedule consists of mental health therapies and medical monitoring. This structured routine helps you make the most of your time with us. Between sessions, medical and psychiatric staff are available 24/7 to address other needs that may come up. 

Here’s what to expect:

• Therapy: You participate in group and individual therapy sessions. By talking about your experiences and listening to others, you learn more about the patterns behind your thoughts and behaviors. We also teach you how to manage them in healthier ways.
• Medication management: You may benefit from drugs that ease symptoms like anxiety, mood swings or trouble sleeping. We check in regularly to see if they are working as expected. If necessary, we make adjustments to better support your progress.
• Ongoing assessments: You regularly meet with a psychiatrist and nurse practitioner. We talk about how treatment is going and adjust plans as needed. These conversations also include input from the mental health providers guiding your therapy sessions.
• Expressive arts: Drawing, painting or journaling can help you explore feelings in a different way from talk therapy.
• Discharge planning: Staff help you plan for next steps after your hospital stay so you can continue making progress. Whether it’s a structured outpatient program or reconnecting with a community provider, we help facilitate a smooth transition.

Get Help Now

Call 1-800-369-2273 to schedule a no-cost and confidential mental health intake assessment. For non-urgent inquiries, you can also fill out our online appointment request form.