Improving Psychiatric Access for Students in Crisis: An Alternative to the Emergency Department.

Publication Date

2020

Journal Title

Psychiatr Serv

Abstract

School behavioral health crisis referrals have emerged as a significant driver of avoidable emergency department (ED) visits. However, few resources exist to divert students to more appropriate settings. This article examines the effectiveness of an ambulatory behavioral health urgent care pilot project in reducing ED visits and improving collaborations with schools in the local community. Initial data suggest that urgent psychiatric evaluation and care coordination may be an effective model for reducing preventable ED visits and meeting the mental health needs of students in crisis.

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty, Northwell Researcher

Facility

School of Medicine; Northwell Health

Primary Department

Emergency Medicine

Additional Departments

Psychiatry

PMID

32487010

DOI

10.1176/appi.ps.201900195

For the public and Northwell Health campuses

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