Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time seeking treatment. At Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital in Malden, Massachusetts, we work to make the admissions process simple, supportive and stress-free.
What we treat
At our hospital in Malden, Massachusetts, we provide care for a wide range of behavioral health concerns. Our team supports children, adolescents, adults and older adults who may be living with conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Psychotic disorders
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
- Dementia with behavioral disturbances
We also care for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as those who have co-occurring substance use concerns, including opioids, alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Our goal is to meet people where they are and provide care that supports safety, stability and long-term well-being.
Our admissions criteria
We care for people of different ages in units designed to meet their needs. Each unit has clear age guidelines:
- Pediatric unit: Ages 6–12
- Adolescent unit: Ages 13–17
- Adult unit: Ages 18–54
- Senior adult unit: Age 55 and older
In general, someone may be admitted to our behavioral health hospital if they:
- Have a primary behavioral health diagnosis
- Are at risk of harming themselves or others
- Have trouble with judgment or clear thinking
- Are unable to function safely in daily life
This information is meant to be a general guide. Everyone’s situation is different. If you think you or someone you love may need support, we encourage you to contact our admissions team. They can help determine whether our hospital is the right level of care and explain next steps.
Admissions criteria, including acuity guidelines, are reviewed carefully so each person receives care that best fits their needs.
If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you or someone else may be in immediate danger, please call 911 right away.
A simple and supportive admissions process
Our goal is to help you get care as quickly and smoothly as possible. We work to gather the needed information right away so there are no unnecessary delays.
An admissions specialist starts with a brief screening and a nursing assessment to understand what level of care may be needed. If inpatient care is recommended, a psychiatric evaluation follows. Once admitted, the individual is welcomed to their unit and given clear information about what to expect.
Families and loved ones receive helpful details, including visiting hours, contact information and guidelines about what items can and cannot be brought to the hospital.
Admissions questions we hear often
Can someone call or walk in for admission?
Yes. Adults can call or walk in, though many need medical clearance before admission.
Does this apply to children and teens?
In most cases, medical clearance is not required for children or adolescents unless requested by the admitting physician.
What if medical clearance is needed?
If clearance is required, the individual will be directed to a hospital for screening and lab work before admission to our behavioral health hospital.
Our admissions team is here to answer questions and help you understand the best path forward. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Questions about admission? We’re here to help
If you have questions about our admissions process, how to access care or whether our hospital is the right fit for you or someone you love, we’re here to help. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ready to guide you through next steps.
Reach out anytime. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
