On July 30, UK HealthCare celebrated the opening of Kentucky’s inaugural EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) unit at Eastern State Hospital. This new facility, a collaboration between UK HealthCare, New Vista, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, marks a significant milestone in the state’s approach to emergency behavioral health care.
The EmPATH model, pioneered by Dr. Scott Zeller, an internationally recognized expert in emergency psychiatry, represents a transformative approach to mental health care. Unlike traditional emergency rooms, EmPATH units feature open spaces with comfortable seating, designed to provide immediate support in a more therapeutic environment. Patients can stay for up to 23 hours and receive care from a multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and peer support specialists.
UK HealthCare’s EmPATH unit, covering approximately 11,000 square feet, can accommodate up to 12 patients simultaneously. This facility aims to provide rapid, effective evaluation and treatment, significantly reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes. Nationally, studies indicate that 60-70% of individuals treated in EmPATH units are stabilized and discharged within 24 hours, with a high rate of continued care. A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that 60% of individuals from rural areas with suicidal thoughts sought follow-up care after treatment in an EmPATH unit.
Dr. Robert S. DiPaola, co-executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Kentucky, expressed enthusiasm about the unit’s opening. “The EmPATH model is a game-changer for mental health care. It allows us to provide quick, evidence-based care in an environment designed for healing,” DiPaola said.
Eastern State Chief Administrative Officer Lindsey Jasinski, Ph.D., emphasized the unit’s peer support component as crucial to its success. “Patients benefit from hearing the experiences of others who have navigated similar challenges. This peer interaction offers hope and validation,” Jasinski noted.
The unit’s opening is expected to alleviate pressure on traditional emergency departments, which have seen a rise in mental health-related visits, increasing from 6.6% to 10.9% between 2007 and 2016. EmPATH units aim to address this by providing specialized care that traditional emergency rooms may not be equipped to handle effectively.
Dr. Andrew Cooley, a UK HealthCare psychiatrist and chief medical officer for Eastern State Hospital, highlighted the importance of the EmPATH model in providing immediate, focused care. “Emergency departments are vital for acute injuries and life-threatening conditions, but they often lack the resources to address mental health crises effectively,” Cooley said. “EmPATH provides an alternative where patients receive immediate, specialized care.”
The new unit at Eastern State Hospital will serve adults 18 and over experiencing a range of behavioral health crises, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Patients may arrive via emergency medical services or self-refer.
Marc Woods, D.N.P., chief nursing officer at Eastern State Hospital, emphasized the holistic approach of the EmPATH unit. “We address not only mental health issues but also basic needs to build a relationship with patients and connect them with additional services to enhance their overall well-being,” Woods explained.
The EmPATH unit, which has its own separate entrance on Bull Lea Road in Lexington, complements Eastern State Hospital’s existing 195 acute care beds and its commitment to recovery-focused psychiatric care.
Leaders from various sectors commended the opening of the EmPATH unit:
Katherine Marks, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities, praised the collaboration with UK HealthCare, noting that the EmPATH unit represents a new approach to delivering responsive, effective care and connecting individuals with appropriate follow-up services.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton lauded the EmPATH unit as a transformative development for the community, acknowledging the significant step forward in providing emergency care for mental health crises.
Nikki Stanaitis, Chief Clinical Officer at New Vista, expressed pride in the partnership with UK HealthCare, emphasizing the unit’s potential to improve outcomes and reduce hospitalization needs through innovative, accessible care.
The EmPATH unit represents a significant advancement in Kentucky’s mental health care infrastructure, offering a specialized, compassionate approach to managing mental health crises and setting a new standard for emergency behavioral health services in the state.
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