McLeod Regional unveils pediatric EmPATH unit
Impact on your practice
While this represents positive infrastructure development for pediatric behavioral health, it primarily affects hospital-based psychiatrists and emergency medicine physicians rather than private practice therapists. The crisis stabilization model may reduce inpatient referral volume and create new discharge planning/follow-up care opportunities for outpatient therapists.
Key facts
McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC opened a 15-bed pediatric EmPATH crisis stabilization unit
Unit provides rapid psychiatric evaluation and short-term treatment for children in psychiatric emergencies, targeting 72-hour stabilization
Part of SC DHHS funding initiative to 13 hospitals statewide for emergency behavioral health units
EmPATH model associated with shorter ED stays, fewer inpatient admissions, and higher follow-up care rates
Program designed to divert children from inpatient psychiatric admission when possible
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