Psychiatry
Are you facing a mental health crisis?
You’re not alone.
Psychiatry Services
When should I see a psychiatrist?
Knowing when to seek help for your mental health is not always easy. While periods of stress, sadness, or worry are a normal part of life, ongoing symptoms that interfere with daily activities, relationships, work, school, sleep, or overall well-being may be a sign that additional support is needed.
A psychiatrist can evaluate mental health concerns, provide a diagnosis, and develop an individualized treatment plan. Psychiatric care may also be recommended by a therapist, counselor, primary care provider, or other healthcare professional, particularly when medication may be beneficial.
Consider seeking an evaluation if you experience:
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Persistent sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or irritability
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Significant changes in mood, behavior, energy, or concentration
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Difficulty functioning at home, work, or school
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Changes in sleep or eating habits
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Withdrawal from relationships or activities
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Difficulty managing emotions, stress, or impulses
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Symptoms that continue despite counseling or other support
You do not need to have a diagnosis before asking for help. Seeking care early can help identify concerns, determine appropriate treatment, and provide the support needed to improve daily functioning and overall well-being.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is in immediate danger, seek emergency assistance rather than waiting for a routine psychiatric appointment.
Emergency Services
One of our caring professionals will talk to you, give you options for services and even schedule your first appointment. If you are severely depressed, anxious or are in danger of harming yourself or someone else, please talk to one of our friendly mental health counselors now.
Emergency Mental Health Services Hours:
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Regional Health Systems Emergency Services
24/7 Emergency Mental Health Services
219.736.7200 -
East Chicago Care Center
3903 Indianapolis Blvd
East Chicago, IN 46312
Open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. -
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administrative Confidential National Hotline
1-800-662-4357
Inpatient Services
For adults experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms that require a higher level of care, our 16-bed Inpatient Psychiatric Unit provides a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment focused on stabilization and recovery.
Patients receive individualized care that may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, nursing care, therapeutic programming, case management, and discharge planning. Our interdisciplinary team works with each patient to reduce symptoms, restore stability, and prepare for a successful transition back to the community.
The average inpatient stay is approximately seven days. Discharge planning begins early and may include coordination with outpatient providers, community services, and other appropriate supports. When appropriate, families and support systems are included in treatment and transition planning.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, intensive care during times of acute need while helping patients transition safely to the most appropriate level of ongoing care and support.
Inpatient Location
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Merrillville Care Center
8555 Taft Street, Merrillville, Indiana
General Services
Psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. Our outpatient psychiatry services support children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric concerns.
Our psychiatric providers take a comprehensive approach to care, considering each patient’s symptoms, medical history, current medications, life circumstances, and treatment goals. Following an evaluation, the provider works with the patient and, when appropriate, their family or other members of the treatment team to develop an individualized plan of care.
Psychiatric services may include:
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Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to better understand symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options.
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Diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions including mood, anxiety, attention, behavioral, and other psychiatric disorders.
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Medication management including prescribing medications when clinically appropriate and monitoring their effectiveness, potential side effects, and ongoing treatment needs.
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Ongoing psychiatric follow-up to assess progress, address changes in symptoms, and adjust treatment as needed.
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Care coordination with therapists, psychologists, primary care providers, and other healthcare professionals when appropriate to provide a more integrated approach to treatment.
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Patient and family education to help individuals better understand their condition, treatment options, medications, and strategies for supporting recovery and overall well-being.
Many patients benefit from receiving psychiatric care in addition to counseling or psychotherapy. While therapists and psychologists often focus on psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and psychological assessment, psychiatrists and other qualified psychiatric medical providers can evaluate the biological and medical aspects of mental health conditions and prescribe medication when appropriate. Together, these services can provide a more comprehensive approach to care.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, individualized, and evidence-informed psychiatric care that helps patients manage symptoms, improve daily functioning, and work toward meaningful improvements in their overall quality of life.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Children and teenagers can experience emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges that affect life at home, at school, and in relationships. When concerns persist or begin to interfere with everyday life, professional support can help families better understand what their child is experiencing and determine the next steps.
Regional Health Systems provides compassionate, personalized psychiatric care for children and adolescents. Services include comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. Our providers work collaboratively with children, families, therapists, pediatricians, schools, and other professionals when appropriate to support coordinated care.
Treatment is tailored to each child’s age, developmental needs, symptoms, strengths, and circumstances. When medication is appropriate, it may be used as one part of a broader treatment plan that can also include therapy, behavioral support, family involvement, and other services.
Learn more about our child and adolescence psychiatry service.