Lexington, Kentucky Welcomes Its First Emergency Psychiatric Unit

In an exciting development for mental health care in Kentucky, the city of Lexington has become home to the state’s very first emergency psychiatric unit, known as the EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) Unit. This groundbreaking facility officially opened its doors on July 30 and has already begun to make waves in the community by addressing urgent mental health needs in a supportive environment.

Last week, a ceremony was held to celebrate this monumental occasion. State officials, community leaders, and representatives from UK HealthCare gathered to discuss how the new unit aims to transform the way individuals experiencing mental health crises receive help. According to Robert S. DiPaola, co-executive vice president for health affairs at UK, “The EmPATH model is a game-changer for mental-health care, and we are so proud to be the first in the state to open this unit.”

The EmPATH unit offers a new approach to handling mental health emergencies. Rather than traditional treatment rooms, the unit features an open layout where patients can feel less isolated. Upon arrival, they will find comfortable seating and be greeted by a team that includes psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and peer support specialists. This welcoming atmosphere aims to ease the fear and stigma often associated with seeking mental health care.

Lindsey Jasinski, Chief Administrative Officer at Eastern State Hospital, highlighted the importance of peer support in this new model. “We have those folks here in the unit to say, ‘Can I share my experience with you?’” Jasinski said. “It can be helpful to hear from someone who has been in a difficult place and been able to successfully navigate that. It provides hope, and that’s what the EmPATH model is all about.” This personal touch can make all the difference when individuals are feeling vulnerable.

With a spacious layout of roughly 11,000 square feet, the EmPATH unit can accommodate up to 12 patients at a time. Each individual receives regular assessments on their symptoms and develops a tailored care plan, which might lead to a quick stabilization that allows them to head home within 24 hours, or it could result in an admission for more intensive, round-the-clock care.

Astonishingly, studies indicate that about 60 to 70 percent of those who visit an EmPATH unit are stabilized and on their way home within a day. A study also showed surprising numbers related to follow-up care; among individuals in rural areas who had thoughts of self-harm, a significant 60% sought follow-up care after their treatment in an EmPATH facility. This kind of data provides a clear look at how effective this model can be in promoting long-term mental health.

One of the key advantages of the EmPATH unit is its role in alleviating the burden on traditional emergency departments. A recent study revealed that visits to ERs related to mental health issues have been rising, jumping from 6.6% to 10.9% between 2007 and 2016. According to Dr. Andrew Cooley, a psychiatrist with UK HealthCare, “Our emergency departments give amazing care and save countless lives every day. But we know that patients who come in with a life-threatening injury will need to take priority, and patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis will be further down the list to receive treatment.” The EmPATH unit serves as an alternative where mental health crises can be treated without the long wait and often chaotic environment of a traditional ER.

This unit is available to adults aged 18 and over who are facing a variety of behavioral health challenges. The term “crisis” can cover a wide range of issues, from those battling substance use disorders to individuals wrestling with severe anxiety and depression. Patients can either arrive via emergency medical services or self-refer; either way, the unit strives to be welcoming and accessible. Marc Woods, chief nursing officer, shares that, “The patient defines the crisis. We’re very open-door.”

As one can imagine, addressing basic needs during a mental health crisis is crucial. Staff members are ready to go beyond just mental health support. “We immediately try to assess what their needs are – not only for behavioral health but also their basic needs,” Woods mentioned. They could even help by offering simple comforts, such as a snack or refreshing beverage, creating a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of their circumstances.

The EmPATH unit is strategically placed within the campus of Eastern State Hospital, on Bull Lea Road in Lexington. Operating under UK HealthCare, it holds an impressive 195 acute-care beds and caters to a broad area, providing vital psychiatric care for adults from a 50-county region in Kentucky.

This innovative model marks a significant step forward in addressing mental health concerns more effectively and compassionately. With its unique setup and emphasis on immediate support and healing, the EmPATH unit is not just a facility; it is a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking a path toward recovery in Kentucky.

As Lexington welcomes this important addition, it is poised to lead the way in mental health care, showing that understanding and compassion can indeed make a world of difference.