Lancaster General Hospital has launched a new Behavioral Health Center aimed at providing immediate support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. The facility’s Crisis Walk-In Center offers instant access to behavioral health assessments and treatment, acting as a vital bridge to long-term care for those in need.
Crisis Walk-In Center: Immediate Support for Mental Health
The Crisis Walk-In Center is designed to provide immediate care to individuals facing urgent mental health concerns. Patients arriving at the center are first greeted by a certified peer support specialist, who helps guide them through the process. They are then connected with a registered nurse who conducts a physical health assessment to ensure comprehensive care. If necessary, patients receive immediate counseling to address their immediate needs.
The goal of the walk-in center is to offer quick relief and a pathway to continued care. Patients who require additional services are either referred to the appropriate resources or scheduled for a follow-up appointment, ensuring continuity of care.
Interventional Psychiatry Program
In addition to the walk-in services, the Behavioral Health Center houses the Interventional Psychiatry Program, which focuses on treating psychiatric conditions that are less responsive to traditional first-line treatments. This program aims to offer specialized care for individuals who require more intensive psychiatric intervention.
The Behavioral Health Center is expected to serve approximately 900 patients annually through its interventional psychiatry program, while also providing walk-in services to about 10,000 individuals annually. These services will be available both in-person and via phone, ensuring that patients have convenient access to the care they need.
Short-Term Care and Referral to Ongoing Services
One of the key features of the center is its ability to provide medication and appointments for up to 30 days, offering short-term care for patients before referring them to long-term behavioral health services. This approach is designed to reduce the strain on emergency departments by preventing low-risk behavioral health patients from being boarded in the ER while awaiting treatment.
By streamlining the process and offering immediate, focused care, the center aims to improve mental health outcomes and reduce delays in accessing more comprehensive services.
A Step Toward More Accessible Mental Health Care
The opening of the Behavioral Health Center at Lancaster General Hospital marks a significant step toward improving access to mental health care. With its focus on immediate assistance and streamlined referrals to ongoing care, the center is poised to be a crucial resource for the community, providing vital support to those experiencing mental health crises.
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