CT hospitals are redesigning ERs for behavioral health crises

Emergency departments in Connecticut are changing how they treat patients in mental health crises. Traditional emergency rooms, with their bright lights and loud equipment, often worsen anxiety for individuals experiencing a psychological emergency. Hospitals including Griffin Health, Stamford Hospital, and Yale New Haven Hospital are now adopting the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing, or EmPATH, model to address this problem.

These units are physically separate from the main emergency department and provide a calm space for patients. Instead of cold, sterile rooms, the units feature natural light, comfortable recliners, and open areas designed to reduce stress. Behavioral health specialists staff these areas to help stabilize patients within 48 hours and coordinate their transition to outpatient care.

The need for this shift is clear. Griffin Health reported a 50% increase in psychiatric crisis cases since 2019. Similarly, Stamford Hospital identified behavioral health as its top community priority. By moving patients out of the chaotic general ER environment, hospitals can better manage the surge of individuals needing immediate help and avoid the issue of patients boarding for days without proper support.

Children and adolescents are a specific focus for the new units at Stamford and Yale New Haven. These centers address the acute shortage of psychiatric services for youth, aiming to stabilize children and provide 12 weeks of follow-up care. This model bridges the gap that often leaves families without support after they leave the hospital. With funding from state grants and private donations, these facilities represent a move toward specialized care environments that prioritize mental health alongside physical treatment.