Why Every Hospital Needs a Psychiatric Consult Team in the ED
- Michael D
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Emergency departments (EDs) across the country are under mounting pressure. Increasingly, they’ve become the first point of contact for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. Unfortunately, many EDs are not equipped with the psychiatric resources needed to evaluate and stabilize these patients efficiently. The absence of a dedicated psychiatric consult team can result in long wait times, unnecessary admissions, staff burnout, and suboptimal care.
The Growing Psychiatric Demand in the ED
ED visits for psychiatric conditions have been steadily rising. Mental health crises don’t follow a 9–5 schedule—patients arrive at all hours, often in distress and in need of immediate intervention. Yet without timely access to psychiatric evaluation, these patients may remain in the ED for hours or even days.
This phenomenon, known as psychiatric boarding, not only affects patient outcomes but also puts a strain on ED operations and resources. Hospitals with psychiatric consult services in place can dramatically reduce boarding times by quickly triaging patients and developing appropriate care plans.
The Benefits of a Dedicated ED Psychiatric Consult Service
Having a psychiatric consult team available—whether on-site or via telepsychiatry—ensures that behavioral health needs are addressed promptly. Here’s what this kind of support can offer:
Faster Clinical Decision-Making: Psychiatrists can determine whether a patient needs inpatient admission, outpatient follow-up, or another level of care.
Improved Patient Experience: Timely evaluations reduce anxiety and provide patients with clarity during a vulnerable time.
Operational Efficiency: Faster dispositions mean more available beds and better flow throughout the hospital.
Reduced Liability: Thorough documentation and expert assessment protect both patients and providers.
Partnering for Better Care
At Wichita Psychiatric Group LLC, we specialize in providing psychiatric consult services tailored to your ED’s needs. Whether through in-person staffing or virtual support, our goal is to bring calm to chaos, stabilize patients efficiently, and support ED teams in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.