I don't know if everything at your hospital is like mine, but this is my experience:
1. Cop takes me to the hospital; I rode in the back seat like a criminal
2. Woman at the desk takes purse and cell phone, but allows me to write down phone #s I might need
3. Strip searched
4. Put my own clothing back on
5. Escorted to my room
6. Met once a day with psychiatrist
7. Went to group therapy twice or three times a day
Nurses always told me when/where to be.
Visiting hours were twice a day.
Clothing could be brought in to you by others, but had to be in a paper bag and had to be examined.
They provided antiskid socks to wear.
There was a communal TV/game room where they had snacks.
Meals were ok; cafeteria style.
I was released on day 5.

My primary care doctor helped me with mine, and I stayed a little while,but my PCP is very religious and always pray with me about everything,I thank God for him and he is young also.And all the young doctors are smart because they are up to date on everything.🤗

Also, I can't bend my knees and I'm wheelchair bound... So I doubt I'd fit in the backseat of the police car. If I just want to lay in bed all day, do you "get in trouble?" I understand it's dependent on who is in the unit, but is that area generally quiet? Or is it noisy with several people arguing with the nurse? Is it possible to bring your friend to court yet they keep the job. . :-)

Where did you do the 72 hour hold? Was that also in psych? So I'm not allowed my phone? What if I need to update people who are helping me the best they can.

In my opinion, and I have 20 years experience, you don’t need to go to the hospital unless you’re not feeling safe or feeling like you want to harm someone else? If that’s not the case then all you need to do is contact your insurance provider and ask them for a list of in-network therapists and in-network psychiatrists. Then schedule your initial assessments and have yourself evaluated and then you can be treated with both pharmaceutical medicine and talk therapy. The only reason one is admitted into the hospital is if they are a danger to themselves or someone else. There are other cases but for the most part, getting hospitalized is a crisis’ situation. I’ve been hospitalized 3x. And based on what I’m hearing from you, you might look into an outpatient program if you’re looking for support group structure. NAMI has some great virtual support groups for mental illness that are helpful and part of my personal mental health treatment. It’s important to advocate for yourself, friend. If you have any questions, message me. I’m an open book. I had a psychotic episode 3 years ago. And at first I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1 with psychotic features. I went on two years and relapsed. And then got a new diagnosis of Schizoaffective bipolar disorder type 1. .. before these diagnoses I was living with ADHD, depression and anxiety disorder. It’s been a trip! I have a lot of experience with mental illness. I hope this helps.