Improving Psychiatric Access for Students in Crisis: An Alternative to the Emergency Department

What is it about?

Rising rates of preventable ED use are a persistent problem, of which schools are a significant source of referrals. However, there exist few effective alternatives to the ED. In this context, the Urgent Evaluation Service was developed, in close collaboration with local schools, to divert students in subacute crisis to a more appropriate ambulatory setting. Initial data indicate that this model provides and effective alternative to the ED, with potential to decrease preventable ED utilization.

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