Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services
The Psychiatric Emergency Services Center provides emergency psychiatric services to people who are no longer able to cope effectively due to experiencing a traumatic event, exacerbation of an existing mental illness or disruption in daily living due to other circumstances influenced by a mental health issue.
This unit assists individuals and their families in identifying stressors, exploring conditions related to their current situation and discovering means for bringing about change and improved functioning. There directive is to assess and recommend treatment in the least restrictive environment that will maintain the patient’s safety. When the clinical presentation includes behaviors that are deemed dangerous to self or others the patient is evaluated for admission. If their judgment is intact they can consent to a voluntary admission. When the person meets the criteria for involuntary admission the protocols detailed in NJAC 10:31 are followed.
Services of the unit include:
- Psychiatric Assessment
- Psychiatric Consultation
- A 24/7/365 Hotline
- Crisis Intervention for adults and children (under the age of 18)
- E-CAPS Emergency Children and Adolescents Psychiatric Services
- Services for Victims of Crime or Psychological Trauma
- Referral to Mental Health Care Inpatient Unit
- Initial crisis counseling for problems such as personal, family, interpersonal relationships, sexual dysfunction, child/elder abuse, eating disorders, domestic conflict parent/child problems, etc.
Hours of Operation and Contact Information:
Psychiatric Evaluation Services are available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week for all residents of Essex County by calling 973-266-4478.
Crisis Hotline
Our hotline is staffed 24/7/365 by mental health professionals. They provide verbal de-escalation, assess for dangerousness, and conduct onsite evaluations.