What to Bring

What to Bring, and What Not to Bring

It is important that everyone participates in maintaining a secure, therapeutic environment at University Behavioral Center. To help promote the safety of our patients, we have very strict rules about which personal items are admitted at our facility. Bringing valuable items to the unit is strongly discouraged. University Behavioral Center will NOT assume responsibility for any lost or damaged items.

General Guidelines

  • Please do not bring any potentially harmful contraband onto University Behavioral Center property (see list below).
  • All items brought to the facility will be inventoried upon arrival. Items that are kept by clients are no longer considered the responsibility of University Behavioral Center.
  • Upon entering our facility, patients and their belongings will be searched by staff for potential contraband. Staff will also complete a “wand” search for sharp objects.
  • Staff will complete an inventory sheet of all personal belongings brought into the facility.
  • Any items that are not permitted will be returned to the family, locked in a storage area or confiscated and surrendered according to University Behavioral Center hospital policy.
  • While inpatient at University Behavioral Center, your area may be subject to search with you present if there are concerns about the overall safety and care of the environment.
  • Please wear shoes or slippers at all times.
  • Visitors will not be able to bring any personal items into the visitation area.

Personal Belongings and Contraband

You are encouraged to send all valuables and money home. If you choose to keep them, please note that University Behavioral Center is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. You may request that your valuables be locked in the safe. Items will be logged on a belongings sheet and signed out upon discharge. University Behavioral Center does not assume responsibility for any clothes, jewelry or personal items such as dentures, eyeglasses/contacts, hearing devices or other valuables that are kept by an individual. Please ask for assistance if you need help locating your belongings. University Behavioral Center will not replace any lost items.

Patient Belongings Drop-Off

Patient belongings* dropped off by friends/family will only be accepted during the hours listed below:

Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

*Items allowed for drop off (maximum): 3 shirts, 3 pairs of pants (no holes, no spandex/leggings, no strings), under garments (no underwire in bras), socks. 2 sets of appropriate pajamas (recommend sweatpants/t-shirts, no strings). UBC has washers/dryers on every unit to ensure cleanliness of items and proper hygiene. Any items dropped off and given to patients are their responsibility. UBC is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

  • No more than two (2) changes of clothing. A washing machine and dryer are available on the unit in order to keep clothes clean and fresh
  • One (1) pair of shoes – NO LACES (we recommend Velcro shoes)
  • A few photos are permitted; however, staff will determine if the photos are appropriate
  • Patients must sleep in pajamas or other appropriate attire, and pajamas are only to be worn in the patient’s room
  • We recommend bringing comfortable clothing that covers the entire body
  • Approved reading material is allowed – staff will determine if it is appropriate

*All clothing must be washed prior to patient use as a component of infection control.

  • Clothing with sexually inappropriate material or obscene phrases/gestures
  • Clothing advertising drugs or alcohol
  • Clothing deemed sexually provocative, ripped or torn clothing
  • Tank-tops or spaghetti strap shirts
  • Low-cut shirts
  • Shorts, short skirts or dresses that don’t go past your fingertips
  • Spandex or leggings
  • Pants that are too big and will fall off
  • Clothing that exposes undergarments
  • Underwire bras; sport bras are recommended
  • Clothing with any strings
  • Belts
  • Shoe laces
  • Inappropriate footwear (heels, steel toed boots, etc.)
  • Hats or any unapproved headwear
  • Headbands, hair clips or hair ties with metal bands
  • Scarves, towels or blankets that can be worn
  • Jewelry (except wedding bands), or piercings (spacers should be used; special order by doctor is required for special piercings)
  • Money

Staff may ask you to change your clothes if you fail to comply with these guidelines.

Personal hygiene items

To help ensure your safety and the safety of others, University Behavioral Center provides all hygiene items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, combs, shampoo, soap, etc., as well as pillows, sheets, blankets, towels and linens.

Any special lotions must be prescribed by the physician. All personal grooming items will be stored in hygiene baskets which are accessed at prescribed times; please see your unit schedule for more information. All shaving will be directly supervised and completed with an electric razor or depilatory cream. Any use of electrical appliances or hygiene products must be prescribed by the physician and supervised by staff. All personal soiled linen will be stored in a plastic tote until laundered. If you have a question about the appropriateness of an item you would like to use during your stay at University Behavioral Center, feel free to ask.

We’re Here to Help

University Behavioral Center offers no-cost, confidential assessments for individuals in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule assessments. Call us any time at 407-281-7000 or complete and submit our online contact form. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.

Help and hope are closer than you think.

Personalized mental health and addiction treatment is ready for you. We are here to help.