EmPATH: Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment & Healing
Accelerating ER Throughput with Compassionate Psychiatric Care
EmPATH Units solve ER psychiatric boarding by providing more efficient, effective care in a calming, therapeutic environment.
Patients stabilized and discharged within 24 hours from an EmPATH unit
Patients needing restraints in EmPATH Units
Added to ED bottom line in year one with the opening of an EmPATH unit
What are EmPATH Units?
EmPATH units are specialized emergency department extensions designed to provide immediate, compassionate care to individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Unlike traditional emergency rooms, which can be overwhelming and chaotic for psychiatric patients, EmPATH units offer a calm, supportive environment aimed at stabilizing patients and providing a path towards healing and recovery. Within 24 hours of treatment in an EmPATH unit, 75% of patients find stability and return home, eliminating the need for expensive inpatient admission or emergency department stays. These units are reinventing the way we approach psychiatric emergencies.
EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) units offer a solution to eliminate psychiatric patient boarding and increase ER throughput. The model is designed around several key principles: a focus on prompt treatment rather than mere triage, a non-coercive approach, rapid evaluation by psychiatric professionals, and a wellness and recovery-oriented philosophy giving individuals ample time to heal onsite.
Patient Benefits
- Living room-like environment with relaxation and recreation.
- Immediate psychiatric evaluation and care plan.
- Continuous, compassionate observation with minimal restraints.
- Higher diversion rates from hospitalization.
- Access to snacks and basic needs.
Hospital Benefits
- Reduces ER volume and psychiatric holds.
- Increases efficiency and lowers admissions.
- EMTALA compliance for mental health emergencies.
- Cost-effective space remodels for psychiatric care.
- Flexible reimbursement with CMS and insurers.
Comprehensive EmPATH Consulting Services
Our expert team offers tailored consulting solutions to help hospitals design, implement, and optimize EmPATH Units, ensuring the highest standards of psychiatric emergency care.
Your Questions, Answered by Dr. Scott Zeller
Curious about EmPATH Units? Click on the questions below to hear Dr. Scott Zeller, MD — founder of the EmPATH model— explain how these units are transforming psychiatric emergency care and answer key questions about their implementation.
Ready to Transform Psychiatric Emergency Care?
Contact the EmPATH Consulting Team today to learn how we can help you build a compassionate, efficient psychiatric emergency care unit. Our experts are ready to assist you at every step of the process.
Contact Information:
empath@inflect.health
Accelerating Emergency Room Throughput with Compassionate Psychiatric Care