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My Inpatient Survival Guide: Things to Give Someone in Residential Mental Health Treatment
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items I've been in mental health treatment 4 times, my longest stay being almost 4 months. These are the things that actually helped me survive, and get out, and stay out, in a better place than ever before. Whether you’re preparing for your own inpatient ...
Sections
5
Facility Approved Lists & Info
Comfort Items
Boredom Busters & Quiet Entertainment
Creative Expression
Personal Touches & Thoughtful Extras
Facility Approved Lists & Info
I’ve included links to real admissions checklists and contraband lists to help you double-check what’s okay. These are based on standard practice for residential treatment programs in the U.S.
This list outlines what’s typically allowed and restricted in teen inpatient treatment. Though specific to Copper Hills, it closely reflects the rules at most residential programs. It includes info on hygiene products, clothing, contraband items, and...
Copper Hills Youth Center – What to Bring
A straightforward admissions checklist for teens entering residential care. It covers allowed and prohibited items, labeling instructions, and packing tips. While it’s Rogers-specific, the structure is similar to most programs—making it a good baseli...
Rogers Behavioral Health – Residential Admissions Checklist (PDF)
Comfort Items
From soft socks to soothing stuffies, these are the things that made sterile rooms feel a little more like home. Everything here brought comfort without being triggering or restricted.
This was my absolute favorite thing to have once I earned it. Most facilities won’t allow this at first, and some never allow it at all—so check ahead, and expect it to be a privilege earned after weeks of consistent progress. This music-only MP3 pla...
Pod/MP3 Player with Headphones NO INTERNET ACCESS
Having printed photos of family, pets, or safe memories was incredibly grounding. Most places allow flat, non-framed, personal photos, and printing them on matte or glossy photo paper makes them feel extra special. Avoid anything with frames, glass, ...
Photo Paper for Printed Pictures from Home
Shoes with laces usually aren’t allowed, but soft closed-toe slippers are often accepted—and may even be required during non-shower hours. These kept my feet warm and helped me feel a little more human. Choose ones that are fully fabric with no hard ...
Closed-Toe Slippers (No Laces or Buckles)
The blankets provided in treatment are usually thin, scratchy, and not comforting. Bringing a lightweight personal blanket (if allowed) was one of the best comfort items. Avoid weighted or heated blankets—those are almost always banned. This one is s...
Lightweight Soft Blanket
Stress balls are allowed in most facilities, but some allow squishy gel ones, others only foam, and a few restrict them altogether. Check before bringing. Every facility has different rules, and every person has different stress ball preferences. If ...
Stress Ball (Check First!)
Soft, comforting, and perfectly double-duty as a pillow. Squishmallows are typically allowed as long as they aren’t too large—check with your facility, but 12” is usually safe. I kept mine in bed and it made a huge difference on hard nights.
12” Squishmallow Plush
Boredom Busters & Quiet Entertainment
Long days need quiet ways to pass the time. These were my go-to’s when I needed something to focus on without a screen—books, puzzles, and small games that kept my mind from spiraling.
This was a total brain-saver. It kept me busy without being overwhelming, and the logic focus helped quiet anxious thoughts. Just make sure it’s paperback with no staples—many facilities won’t allow hardcovers or spiral-bound books. Look for options ...
Sudoku Book for Adults
Endless, low-pressure entertainment. Word searches were calming because I could zone in and out while still feeling productive. Like other books, it must be paperback and staple-free, and ideally not so big it gets denied at check-in.
Word Search Book with Hundreds of Puzzles
Folding paper into cranes or frogs gave my hands something to do and felt surprisingly therapeutic. This kit includes both the paper and instructions—no scissors or sharp tools needed. Check with staff before gifting, as some facilities limit paper q...
Origami Kit with Paper & Guide Book
Facilities often hand out cards as a reward or activity prize, but bringing a deck from home—especially a personalized or themed one—feels more meaningful. Choose standard paper cards (no metal or magnetic coatings). This one is a basic option, but I...
Standard Deck of Playing Cards
Surprisingly engaging and peaceful, dot-to-dot books let me focus without overstimulating. Just be sure it’s not spiral-bound or stapled—those will likely be confiscated. This one is all paper and ideal for passing time in silence.
Dot-to-Dot Puzzle Book (Paperback Only)
Large puzzles won’t work due to limited space and storage restrictions, but a small, bright mini puzzle was perfect for quiet time. Choose a non-glittery, non-metallic puzzle in a travel-sized box (under 150 pieces) that can be assembled on a nightst...
Mini Puzzle (Desk-Sized & 100 Pieces or Fewer)
Coloring was one of the best ways I had to self-soothe, especially during quiet hours. You don’t want something overly intricate or childish—this one strikes a perfect balance. Make sure it’s paperback only, with no metal coils or inserts.
Mid-Level Coloring Book for Adults & Teens
Books were one of the biggest lifelines for me. Most facilities allow personal books, but they must be paperback, without staples, spiral bindings, or inserts. Use this link to browse, but always check specific titles for binding type before sending....
Amazon Books (Paperback Only)
Creative Expression
Coloring, journaling, and creative play helped me stay grounded when nothing else did. These tools are safe, allowed, and flexible enough to meet you wherever you’re at emotionally.
Long pencils are often banned due to safety, but short, pre-sharpened ones like these are typically allowed. These gave me a way to color or doodle freely. Avoid kits with sharpeners included, and consider pairing with a coloring or dot-to-dot book f...
Short Colored Pencils (Pre-Sharpened)
The ultimate safe choice for drawing and coloring. These basic wax crayons can’t be weaponized and don’t require tools. Make sure there’s no built-in sharpener—many facilities will reject boxes that include one.
Crayons (No Sharpener Included)
You’ll likely be issued at least one blank notebook—but they’re usually plain and institutional. Bringing your own paperbound, non-spiral composition notebook in a cute or comforting design made journaling and assignments feel more personal. Look for...
Cute Composition Notebook
Personal Touches & Thoughtful Extras
Bookmarks, personalized decks, fun notebooks, phLittle things can make a big difference—like seeing a photo from home, using a cute bookmark, or having a special deck of cards. These items helped me feel like me again, even just for a second.oto pape...
Having a designated bookmark (that wasn’t a receipt or folded paper) gave me a tiny boost of normalcy. This leather one is simple and flat—no tassels or metal edges—and adds a bit of personality to the reading experience.
Cute Leather Bookmark
These were my favorite kind—easy to clip onto pages without tearing and available in all kinds of fun themes. Try to get some with a design that feels personal. These don’t get lost easily and feel a little more “you” than a standard paper one. Just ...
Soft Magnetic Bookmarks (Safe & Personalizable)
You’ll be wearing socks nearly all the time, and the ones they provide are usually thin and plain. Fun, breathable socks helped me feel a little more like myself. Go for a personally selected variety pack for maximum serotonin.
Fun Socks (Sanitary & Cheerful)
These helped me decorate everything—folders, notebooks, journals, even my ID badge. It gave me something fun to do and helped reclaim the sterile environment a little. Choose flat sticker sheets, not rolls or puffy textures, and nothing with glitter ...
Sticker Variety Pack