De-escalation is of primary importance in dealing with behavioral emergencies. The Behavioral Emergency Center has seven private care rooms specifically designed to provide a non-threatening environment. A common area offers reclining loungers, TVs with headphones and reading materials.

• Behavioral Emergency Center physicians are dual-trained in psychiatry and family practice or are emergency physicians with a strong background in behavioral care. The care team made up of registered nurses, mental health therapists and psychiatric technicians is capable of arranging follow-up appointments prior to the patient’s departure with ongoing communication to providers in the behavioral healthcare network.
• The Behavioral Emergency Center is open each day from noon to midnight. Patients first come to the Emergency Department, are checked for medical needs, and then are directed down the hall to the Behavioral Emergency Department. Other times, additional behavioral staff in the Emergency Department cares for the patients.