What patients and families should know

Emergency psychiatric interventions are urgent steps taken when a person’s mental health crisis poses an immediate risk to themselves or others. These interventions aim to stabilize safety, assess needs, and connect the person to appropriate ongoing care.

• Suicidal thoughts with plan or intent.
• Acute psychosis or severe mood episodes that impair judgment or behavior.
• Threats or actual violence toward self or others.
• Inability to meet basic needs due to extreme agitation, disorganization, or delirium.
• Substance-induced crises that worsen mental health symptoms.

Safety first:

Staff will assess risk and may provide a safe environment, monitor vital signs, and ensure medical stability.

Quick assessment:

Clinicians gather history, current symptoms, medications, and any risk factors.

Crisis stabilization:

Short-term strategies to reduce danger, such as calming techniques, medication if appropriate, and a plan for next steps.

Disposition plan:

Referral to inpatient care, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, or community-based supports, depending on severity and resources.

Inpatient admission:

For severe symptoms or danger that cannot be safely managed at home.

Crisis stabilization units:

Short-term, focused care to stabilize symptoms without full hospitalization.

Medication management:

Short-term use of anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, or antidepressant medications as clinically indicated.

Crisis hotlines and mobile crisis teams:

Rapid assessment and support in the community.

Safety planning and follow-up:

connecting you with outpatient services, therapy, and social supports.

• A list of current medications, allergies, and past hospitalizations.
• A brief description of symptoms, their onset, and any triggers.
• Any concerns about safety at home and a plan for housing, supervision, or transportation if needed.
• Questions about treatment options, expected duration, side effects, and follow-up care.