Frequently Asked Questions

We put together some of the most commonly asked questions by patients and families in our FAQ.

There is no set length of stay (LOS) for patients at River Vista Behavioral. Stays are based on individual need and typically range from five to 14 days. A typical LOS is approximately nine days.

The treatment team, which includes an attending psychiatrist, assesses patients within 24 hours of admission. The team makes an initial determination about the course of care for each patient, develops a care plan and an anticipated length of stay.

River Vista Behavioral Health accepts both voluntary and involuntary patients. Patients who admit themselves on a voluntary basis can request discharge during their stay. Patient requests for discharge are brought to their treatment team for discussion. Only a physician/psychiatrist can officially discharge a patient and therefore the psychiatrist must evaluate patients prior to discharge, even for voluntary patients.
No, River Vista is a smoke free facility.
Yes, all of our units are locked. Locked units provide an additional level of safety for all of our patients and visitors at River Vista Behavioral Health.
Your treatment team will start working on your discharge plan upon your admission. The discharge plan will include a safety plan both for you and your family/guardian. We will provide an appointment for outpatient treatment if it is part of your discharge plan. Upon discharge you will be given a script for your medication to last seven to 10 days.
In order to maintain a patient’s right to confidentiality, we assign each patient an Access Code when admitted. Patients can choose to provide this access code to family and friends. When family or friends call River Vista Behavioral Health, they need to provide the Access Code in order to connect with the patient during their stay.

An Access Code is not the same as being listed on a patient’s Release of Information sheet. If family or support system contacts are not listed on the Release of Information sheet, then Clinical Therapists and other staff cannot give information about the patient.

Family and friends are welcome to leave information for the Clinical Therapist directly or on their voicemail if they are included on a release of information.

We Are Here to Help!

To schedule a no-cost, confidential assessment or to learn more about our programs, call us at 559-603-6000.