BHU

Medical abbreviation · Hospital

BHU
Stands forBehavioral health unit
CategoriesMedical

BHU stands for Behavioral health unit, a hospital abbreviation.

Inpatient hospital unit for patients with acute psychiatric illness or substance use problems who need a safe, structured setting, such as for suicidal thoughts, psychosis or severe depression.

Example: Medically cleared in ED, accepted to BHU on voluntary status.

Usage notes

Also called a psychiatric unit or inpatient psychiatry. The Joint Commission requires ligature-resistant design in these units to reduce suicide risk. Admission may be voluntary or involuntary under state law. Patients usually need medical clearance before transfer.

More hospital abbreviations

  • ALF – Assisted living facility
  • ALOS – Average length of stay
  • AMC – Academic medical center
  • AOD – Administrator on duty
  • ASC – Ambulatory surgery center
  • BBP – Bloodborne pathogens
  • CAH – Critical access hospital
  • CAUTI – Catheter-associated urinary tract infection
  • CCRC – Continuing care retirement community
  • CCU – Critical care unit
  • CDU – Clinical decision unit
  • CHC – Community health center

See all 89 hospital abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.