Am. Sullivan et J. Rivera, Profile of a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program in a New York City municipal hospital, PSYCHIAT Q, 71(2), 2000, pp. 123-138
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.