Lexington Welcomes Kentucky’s First Emergency Psychiatric Unit

Lexington has taken an important step forward in mental health care with the recent opening of the state’s very first emergency psychiatric unit, the EmPATH Unit. This new facility, which specializes in supporting individuals facing mental health crises, opened its doors on July 30, 2024, at the Eastern State Hospital campus.

Last week, local officials, healthcare leaders, and state representatives gathered to celebrate this significant milestone. UK HealthCare’s co-executive vice president for health affairs, Robert S. DiPaola, expressed how groundbreaking the EmPATH model is for mental healthcare in Kentucky. He stated, “For many, seeking care for a mental-health issue can be difficult, frustrating, and even frightening.” The purpose of this unit, DiPaola noted, is to make mental health care more accessible and supportive for everyone involved.

The EmPATH unit is one of about 30 such facilities across the United States. It was developed in collaboration with New Vista, a well-known mental health care provider serving 17 counties in the Lexington area. To bring this effective model to Kentucky, they partnered with the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

A Unique Supportive Environment

What makes the EmPATH unit different from traditional emergency departments? Instead of isolated treatment rooms, the unit features spacious, open areas filled with cozy, inviting seating designed to wrap patients in comfort. Upon arriving, individuals are greeted by a welcoming team made up of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and even peer support specialists, who have gone through similar experiences. Patients can stay in the unit for up to 23 hours, which gives them ample time to receive the care they need.

Lindsey Jasinski, Eastern State’s Chief Administrative Officer and a psychologist, highlighted the significance of peer support in this new model. “We have those folks here in the unit to say, ‘Can I share my experience with you?’” she shared, adding that hearing from someone who has conquered similar struggles can foster hope and healing.

Commitment to Fast Care

The unit occupies a sprawling 11,000 square feet of space, with the capacity to accommodate up to 12 patients at a time. The care team is continuously monitoring individuals’ symptoms and tailoring a personalized care plan that might involve outpatient services or, if necessary, admission for round-the-clock care. Studies show that a staggering 60 to 70 percent of patients who visit an EmPATH unit find stability and can return home within a day.

EmPATH units also prioritize follow-up care. According to recent research published in Academic Emergency Medicine, around 60% of individuals in rural areas having suicidal thoughts sought additional help after their first visit to an EmPATH unit, which is a promising statistic.

Dr. Andrew Cooley, a psychiatrist at UK HealthCare, reinforced the necessity for such specialized care. He explained that although emergency rooms are essential for urgently treating physical injuries or traumas, they often lack the resources to effectively support mental health patients, often leading to long wait times. “But we know that patients who come in with a life-threatening injury will need to take priority,” Cooley added. The EmPATH unit is designed as an immediate solution to address the unique needs of those in crisis.

Open to All in Crisis

Adults aged 18 and older who find themselves in a mental health crisis can seek help at the EmPATH unit. The term “crisis” is broadly defined and encompasses any mental health issue that affects a person’s ability to manage daily tasks or keep themselves safe. Whether someone is dealing with substance use, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, the unit encourages both emergency medical referrals and self-referred patients to come in for assistance.

Marc Woods, the Chief Nursing Officer at Eastern State, emphasized that the patient’s definition of crisis matters. “We immediately try to assess what their needs are,” he explained. The team focuses on creating relationships with patients right away, through simple gestures like asking if they’re hungry or thirsty, to ensure they feel comfortable and understood.

Looking Forward

The EmPATH unit has its own entrance, located on Bull Lea Road in Lexington, and is part of a larger facility managed by UK HealthCare that provides serious, recovery-focused psychiatric care for adults in the region. With 195 acute-care beds, the hospital serves a vast area in Kentucky, aiming to improve the mental health landscape across the state.

With the introduction of the EmPATH unit, Kentucky is taking meaningful steps to reshape how mental health care is delivered, making the process friendlier, faster, and more effective for those who need it most. This groundbreaking initiative looks to not only alleviate the pressure on traditional emergency departments but also to provide genuine hope for individuals navigating their mental health challenges.