Admissions
A Compassionate Beginning
We understand that reaching out for help is not always easy. The admissions team at Sandia Crest Behavioral Health is here to guide you through every step with compassion, respect, and confidentiality. Whether you are seeking care for yourself, a loved one, or a patient, our goal is to make the process simple and supportive from the very first call.
Who We Serve
A medically supervised program for safe withdrawal and stabilization before entering the next stage of treatment.
What to Expect:
Sandia Crest Behavioral Health provides care for:
- Adolescents ages 12–17.
- Adults 18 and older.
Our programs are designed for individuals experiencing mental health or co-occurring substance use challenges who may benefit from inpatient, detoxification, or partial hospitalization care. We accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our admissions team for verification and coverage details.
What to Bring
We encourage patients to bring personal items that support comfort and routine during their stay.
Recommended Items:
- Comfortable, modest clothing (enough for 3 days).
- Personal hygiene items (unopened and alcohol-free).
- A list of all current prescriptions, including dosage and frequency.
- Contact information for family, friends, and outpatient providers.
- Cell phone.
- A journal, paperback books, or appropriate reading materials.
- Insurance card.
Please Leave at Home:
- Prescription medications (our medical team will manage these).
- Alcohol, drugs, or alcohol-based products.
- Sharp objects, glass, or items that could be used as weapons.
- Electronics such as laptops, tablets, or gaming systems.
- Jewelry, valuables, or large personal items.
- Clothing with offensive language, images or drug-related graphics.
- Clothing with drawstrings.
If you’re unsure about an item, our admissions team will be happy to guide you before arrival.
Admission Guidelines
How to Begin
We want taking the first step toward treatment to feel as easy and accessible as possible. Here’s how you can begin the admission process.
- Patients or parents/guardians may contact us directly to begin admission.
- Referrals are also accepted from mental health providers, primary care physicians, schools, and hospital emergency departments. No referral is required.
- We accept admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for both voluntary and involuntary patients.
Clinical Considerations
To maintain the highest standards of safety and care, Sandia Crest Behavioral Health cannot admit individuals who:
- Have medical instability requiring ICU-level care or continuous medical monitoring.
- Are experiencing acute delirium, dementia, or severe developmental disabilities.
- Display active homicidal behavior or require security intervention beyond hospital capacity.
- Are undergoing severe intoxication or withdrawal requiring intensive medical management.
- Require forensic or correctional-level placement.
- Are under the age of 12.
In addition, certain clinical factors may require further evaluation to ensure patient safety and appropriate placement:
- Patients must be able to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Patients who are pregnant or on methadone maintenance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Patients with stable medical conditions, including controlled diabetes, may be admitted if safe monitoring can be provided.
Admission decisions always prioritize patient safety, staff safety, and unit capacity.
Minor Consent for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Treatment in New Mexico
New Mexico law allows certain minors to consent to their own behavioral health and substance use treatment:
Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment (Age 14+)
A minor fourteen years of age or older may consent to their own outpatient behavioral health treatment, including substance abuse treatment, without the consent of a parent, guardian or custodian.
NMSA 1978, § 32A-6A-15
Inpatient Mental Health / Residential Treatment (Age 14+)
A minor fourteen years of age or older may consent to admission for inpatient behavioral health services if the clinician determines the minor has the capacity to make an informed decision.
NMSA 1978, § 32A-6A-15(C)
Assessment or Crisis/Early Intervention for Children Under 14
A minor under fourteen years of age may receive an initial assessment or early intervention mental health services without parental consent when necessary to ensure the minor’s safety or well-being
NMSA 1978, § 32A-6A-14
After Admission
Our team works closely with each patient and their support network to develop an individualized treatment plan and begin the journey toward stability and recovery.
Prior to discharge, we provide a comprehensive plan for continued support, including outpatient therapy, community resources, and follow-up care to ensure lasting success.