Profile of a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program in a New York City municipal hospital

This paper profiles the services provided, and the patient population treat ed, in a busy inner city Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) located in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. For each CPEP component, inclu ding the emergency room, extended observation unit and crisis services two years of data are reviewed. A diagnostic profile of patients seen, descript ion of services, patient referrals and dispositions are presented. The chil dren and adolescents treated in the CPEP are described in more detail, focu sing on the high frequency of violence to self or others seen in their pres enting problems. The CPEP's role in providing comprehensive community based services is discussed.