Transforming Behavioral Health with EmPATH Units
At EmPATH Consulting, we are revolutionizing psychiatric emergency care by creating calm, therapeutic spaces that improve patient outcomes and hospital efficiency. Our expert team has developed hundreds of EmPATH Units and behavioral health emergency innovations across the globe, having successfully worked on units in the United States, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.
“From day one, the program is set up for us to succeed. The consulting team is ready, willing and responsive when asked for assistance.”
EmPATH Consulting Client
“I have yet to discover a gap in the services provided.”
EmPATH Consulting Client
“Having their expertise to relay on throughout the permitting/design process has been invaluable.”
EmPATH Consulting Client
Meet the EmPATH Leadership Team
Our team is composed of dedicated experts in psychiatric emergency care, each bringing years of experience to develop and implement EmPATH Units worldwide. Get to know the leaders driving our mission.
Scott L. Zeller, MD
Lead Physician Consultant and Founder
Dr. Zeller is the creator of the EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) model and a global leader in psychiatric emergency care. He has consulted with over 200 hospitals, authored multiple textbooks, and has been recognized for his work improving crisis care worldwide. As the Vice President of Acute Psychiatry for Vituity, Dr. Zeller focuses on advancing psychiatric emergency models.
His pioneering work, including the “Alameda Model,” has reshaped how hospitals approach mental health emergencies. Dr. Zeller is also known for leading Project BETA, which has transformed the treatment of agitation. He continues to be a driving force in creating innovative psychiatric care solutions that benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.
Scott L. Zeller
MD
Lead Physician Consultant
and Founder
Kimberly Walton, MSN, RN
Senior Nurse Consultant
With over 20 years of nursing experience, Kimberly Lopez brings expertise across Behavioral Health, Emergency Nursing, and Acute Care. As a Senior Nurse Consultant, she focuses on optimizing daily operations within EmPATH Units and ensuring readiness through staff training and education. Her leadership in emergency psychiatry helps maintain high standards of patient care and operational efficiency.
Kimberly excels in collaborating with healthcare teams to create effective workflows that support a healing environment for patients. She holds a master’s in nursing administration and continues to lead efforts in advancing psychiatric emergency nursing.
Kimberly Walton
MSN, RN
Senior Nurse Consultant
Gabriela Swift
Head of Inflect Health
Gabriela has 17 years of experience in healthcare leadership and innovation. As the Head of Inflect Health, she plays a key role in developing strategies that drive transformation in psychiatric emergency care. Her expertise spans healthcare operations and team building, helping to streamline services and accelerate impactful healthcare solutions.
Gabriela’s forward-thinking approach has helped shape the future of healthcare by implementing solutions that address critical challenges. Under her leadership, Inflect Health has partnered with hospitals and organizations worldwide to drive positive change.
Gabriela Swift
Head of Inflect Health
Eliza Stein, MSN, CNL, RN
Nurse Consultant
Eliza Stein has over 8 years of experience working in healthcare, specializing in psychiatric emergency services. As a clinical nurse leader and program manager, Eliza combines her clinical background with project management skills to implement EmPATH Units across various hospitals. Her dedication to delivering patient-centered care ensures each EmPATH Unit operates at its highest potential.
Eliza’s experience as a nurse in psychiatric units and emergency rooms gives her a unique understanding of working with patients in psychiatric emergencies. She is committed to ensuring that EmPATH Units meet the highest standards of care and operational efficiency.
Eliza Stein
MSN, CNL, RN
Nurse Consultant
Cindy Moccio
Administrative Coordinator
With over 30 years of administrative experience, Cindy Moccio is a vital part of the EmPATH Consulting Team. Her previous work with one of California’s largest district hospitals has equipped her with the expertise to support large-scale healthcare projects. At EmPATH, Cindy ensures smooth operations and effective coordination between team members.
Cindy’s strong organizational skills and extensive experience in healthcare administration make her an invaluable asset to the team. She is committed to providing the support necessary for the success of EmPATH projects and ongoing operations.
Cindy Moccio
Administrative Coordinator
Justyne Hadnot
Project Manager
Justyne brings over 6 years of experience in project management, with a special focus on healthcare services. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong operational background, which she now applies as a dedicated Project Administrator.
Her commitment to providing the necessary support for EmPATH’s success reflects her enthusiasm for making a positive impact.
Justyne Hadnot
Project Manager
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EmPATH Units developed globally and growing.
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Reduction in psychiatric admissions with EmPATH units.
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Reduction for 30-day ED recidivism rate for psychiatric patients with EmPATH units.
Why Choose EmPATH Consulting?
We are industry leaders in psychiatric emergency care, offering tailored solutions to help hospitals implement and optimize EmPATH Units. With hundreds of EmPATH units established worldwide, our proven track record, expertise, and comprehensive support ensure success at every stage of development.
Unmatched Expertise
Our team, led by Dr. Scott Zeller, the creator of the EmPATH model, has decades of experience in developing and managing psychiatric care units. We bring a wealth of knowledge to every project, ensuring your success.
Tailored Solutions
We understand that every healthcare system is unique. Our consulting services are customized to meet your specific needs, providing practical, efficient, and patient-centered solutions that fit your goals.
Proven Success
Our consulting team has helped hundreds of hospitals worldwide create EmPATH Units that deliver measurable improvements in patient care, reduced ER pressure, and overall operational efficiency.
Comprehensive Support
From the initial concept to post-implementation optimization, we’re with you every step of the way, offering on-site consultations, staff training, and continuous guidance to ensure long-term success.
“EmPATH units should be considered a National Best Practice, and we will take the EmPATH unit knowledge back as a best practice to Joint Commission Central…”
– Joint Commission Surveyor
Insights and Innovations
Stay informed with the latest research and developments in psychiatric emergency care. Click on the cards below to read more about the impact and success of EmPATH Units in transforming healthcare.
JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY NURSING – ENA
EmPATH Units Provide Mental Health Patients a Soothing, Calming Alternative to the Frenzy of the ED
Laurie Saloman
PSYCHIATRY ADVISOR
EmPATH Units as a Solution for Emergency Department Psychiatric Patient Boarding
Dr. Scott L Zeller
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment, and healing (EmPATH) unit decreases hospital admission for patients presenting with suicidal ideation in rural America.
Allison K Kim, J Priyanka Vakkalanka, Paul Van Heukelom, Jodi Tate, Sangil Lee
BLOOMBERG NEWS
Mental Health Crisis Leads Hospitals to Create a New Type of ER
Laurie Saloman
THE NEW YORKER
Reinventing the E.R. for America’s Mental-Health Crisis
Dhruv Khullar
STAT
Mental health crisis centers and EmPATH units: offering care that busy ERs can’t
Grace Rubenstein
Becker’s Healthcare
How 3 hospitals are reimagining behavioral crisis care
Rylee Wilson
Powered by Inflect Health
EmPATH Consulting is backed by Inflect Health, a leader in healthcare innovation. Through strategic investments, incubation, and advisory services, Inflect Health accelerates the development of transformative solutions in healthcare. Together, we’re shaping the future of psychiatric emergency care.
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