Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to smoke?
Smoking is prohibited on the hospital grounds. If you are a smoker, nicotine replacement options are available with an order from the attending doctor. Assistance with smoke cessation is also available if you wish.
Will I be able to go outside immediately upon my arrival?
Patients will be able to go on off-hall breaks with staff and other patients once they are placed on staff escort (SE) level. In general, newly admitted patients are not placed on SE as the team needs time to asses each patient’s level of safety. This assessment time is variable based upon individual safety issues.
Weather permitting, groups may be held on a screened-in terrace on the unit.
Will members of my family and/or concerned others be involved in my treatment?
This is a matter that will be discussed between you and your inpatient treatment team, and varies depending on your individual treatment issues. Due to federal HIPAA guidelines, you will be asked to sign a consent form for the release of any personal information. Phone contact and/or family meetings are available with your assigned social worker depending on individual treatment issues. For some patients, family contact is not advisable and this will also be discussed.
Can friends or family visit me while I am on the unit?
Visiting hours are: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 2 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m.
Visitors must be over 12 years old. Only one visitor is allowed at a time to minimize the risk given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
If I have an outpatient treatment team, will they be involved with my care at Sheppard Pratt?
Outpatient therapists and psychiatrists are a critical part of each patient’s treatment team. They will be contacted during the hospital stay, usually shortly after admission and then close to discharge. Additional communication with outpatient providers is based on individual treatment issues and plans. In general, unless other specific arrangements are made with the treatment team, while on the Trauma Disorders unit, patients may speak with their outpatient treatment team one time per week for a brief check-in of about 15 minutes. This contact should be scheduled and the treatment team made aware of when it will be occurring.
How will medications be handled?
One of our attending psychiatrists will be assigned to you for medication management. The psychiatrist will review your medications and write orders as needed. There are times when a change in medications is clinically indicated. Your inpatient psychiatrist will discuss your options, the risks and benefits of each change, and possible side effects to help you make an informed decision. The inpatient doctor may be in contact with your outpatient doctor to discuss medication/medical issues. Any medications you bring from home must be in their original container and will be stored in the hospital pharmacy until your discharge from the unit. At times, when clinically indicated, medications brought from home may be used in your inpatient care. Per hospital policy, any loose or unlabeled medications will be disposed of.
Sheppard Pratt does not permit the use of herbal preparations.
How do I get to Sheppard Pratt?
Address: 6501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204
If driving, parking is free and secure but limited.
If traveling by plane, the closest airport is Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), which is located approximately 40-45 minutes from the hospital.
If traveling by train or bus, Penn Station is 15 minutes south of the hospital.
To get from the airport/bus station to Sheppard Pratt you may take a taxi/cab, travel via MTA bus (#3 goes directly to Sheppard Pratt), or take the Super Shuttle (800-258-3826) from the airport.
Patients are responsible for getting themselves to the hospital and we are unable to provide any funds for transportation.
What items am I not permitted to bring?
ITEMS THAT ARE PROHIBITED PER HOSPITAL POLICY - NO EXCEPTIONS MADE:
Alcoholic beverages
Aerosol containers
Art supplies with metal or labeled as toxic
Batteries
Belts
Bleach/cleaning products
Bobby pins
Canes with heavy metal top
Cans
Can openers
Cassette tapes
CDs and CD players
Clothing with inappropriate logos or images
Clothing with numerous buckles/strings
Drawstrings
Drug paraphernalia
DVDs and books with sexual content, violence and/or obscene language
Elastic Hairbands
Electric toothbrushes
Electronic fidget spinners
Essential oils
Eyelash curlers
Fans (electric or battery operated)
Flowers with thorns
Gauze wrap/cling wrap/ACE bandages
Glass/ceramics items
Hair dryers/curling irons/flat irons
Hair picks
Hangers both metal and plastic
Headphones/ear buds with cords
Heating pads including Thermacare pads
Heavy/metal belt buckles
Heavy boots
Herbal remedies or supplements
iPods with cameras, internet access or metal clips
Items that may have internet access/capabilities that may include but are not limited to: laptops, Kindle/Nook or other electronic reading devices, cell phones, iPhones, iPads, iPod Touch
Liquid glue
Jewelry that is heavy, sharp, or long
Journals with elastic bands
Knee high socks
Laundry baskets (plastic or mesh) or large plastic containers
Loofahs
Matches/lighters
Tobacco products
Metal hair accessories
Metal nail files
Metal picture frames
Mirrors
Musical instruments
Oil-based products
Pens with metal clips or extra fine or ultra-fine tips or internal springs
Permanent markers
Personal bedding and blankets
Personal electric appliances with cords
Personal towels/washcloths
Plastic bags
Purses, bags, or luggage with long straps
Recording devices (sound or images) including cameras or webcams
Rubber bands
Scarves/bandanas
Sharpeners of any kind
Sharps: paper clips, personal scissors, pins, razor blades, x-acto knives, etc.
Shaving cream
Shoe laces
Spiked heel or platform shoes
Spiral notebooks/3-ring binders
Splints/braces with metal, long straps or highly stretchable material
Staple-bound legal pads
Steel toe shoes
Straight razor blades
Stuffed animals
Tights/nylons/spandex clothing (more than 5% spandex is prohibited)
Toxic paint
Two-way radios and beepers
VHS tapes
Weapons of any kind
Please note that upon admission both your person and your belongings will be searched by staff for prohibited items. This is for your safety, as well as the safety of others on the unit. We ask that you bring all needed items with you to admissions. Once admissions paperwork is signed, you will be unable to return to your car for additional belongings.
Any prohibited items found in your suitcase will be stored in your suitcase off the hall until discharge.
Can I receive mail?
You are permitted to receive mail. However, you may not receive packages of items once admitted to the unit.