FREE VONL Webinar - Members Only

Join us as Centra Health's James Bryant and Shannon Miles will share their work to improve access to behavior health services. 

August 24, 2024, from 3-4pm

EmPATH – The Future of Access to Behavioral Health Services

 Mental health and substance use emergencies are increasing. Between 2007 and 2020, the number of ED visits for mental health reasons nearly doubled. Post-pandemic, it is estimated that 1 in 7 people arriving in the ED are there for a mental health issue. For many ED patients experiencing a mental health crisis, their time is spent waiting for referral, admission, or transfer to an appropriate facility in a small, windowless space monitored by cameras and/or “sitters”.  EmPATH - Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing offers a potentially transformative approach to mental health for adults and children, with a goal of a short stay and connection to local resources.  Patients are rapidly assessed, and treatment starts in an open milieu with the support of other patients and psychiatric caregivers with access to restrooms, snacks, and even an outdoor space featuring planned individual and group sessions.  Up to 90% are discharged with community resources and an overall reduction in ED length of stay for all patients.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the EmPATH model of behavioral health care and how it benefits patients, facilities, and communities.
2. EmPATH as part of a system wide and community-based model of mental healthcare.
3. Results that are driving many organizations across the county to consider the EmPATH model.
4. Questions and discussions related to addressing the mental health crisis and patient access to care.

 Register HERE