Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment & Healing (EmPath) Units

At MUSC Health, we understand how difficult it can be for individuals facing a behavioral health crisis. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing (EmPATH) units at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and the MUSC University Medical Center. These new units are designed to provide immediate, compassionate care for those in need, helping you get the support you deserve when you need it most.

What Is EmPATH and How Does It Help You?

The EmPATH unit is a specialized care space designed to provide rapid psychiatric care for people in crisis. If you or a loved one is experiencing a behavioral health emergency and seeking help in the Emergency Department (ED), the EmPATH unit allows for a faster transfer to get the psychiatric support needed right away in a supportive environment.

Benefits of EmPATH

• Fast, Effective Care: When you’re in crisis, time matters. At EmPATH, you’ll be seen by a psychiatric provider within an hour of being transferred from the ED, ensuring you receive the care you need quickly.
• Comfortable, Supportive Environment: EmPATH isn’t like a traditional emergency room. You’ll have the freedom to move around, participate in therapeutic activities, and relax in a comfortable space designed to help you feel at ease while you receive treatment.
• Short-Term, Focused Treatment: EmPATH is all about stabilizing your health in the short-term, with care lasting up to 72 hours. During this time, we’ll provide treatment and support to help you feel better, reassess your needs, and plan the next steps—whether that means going home with follow-up care or transitioning to a longer-term facility.
• Comprehensive Care: EmPATH offers a range of psychiatric treatments, including medication, therapy, and crisis intervention. We focus on addressing your immediate needs and preventing your condition from worsening, so you can start your path to recovery.

Why is EmPATH Right for Me? 

• No More Waits in the Emergency Department: Instead of waiting in the emergency department for psychiatric care, you’ll get immediate attention in the EmPATH unit, helping you get on the path to recovery faster.
• A Specialized Care Team Focused on You: At EmPATH, we’re not just treating your symptoms - we’re focused on understanding your unique needs and providing the right care at the right time.
• Streamlined Care: EmPATH allows our medical teams to focus on emergency medical patients, while our psychiatric experts give you the specialized care you need in a safe and comfortable space.

What Should I Expect? 

When you come to EmPATH, the process is simple and straightforward:

• Transfer from the ED: After a medical evaluation in the ED, you’ll be quickly transferred to the EmPATH unit for psychiatric care.
• Initial Assessment: Once you arrive, you’ll be evaluated by a psychiatric provider who will develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Treatment and Stabilization: During your stay, you’ll receive medication, therapy, and crisis intervention as necessary to help stabilize your condition.
• Reassessment: After your initial care, we’ll reassess your progress and make decisions about whether you’re ready to go home or need more specialized inpatient care.

A New Approach to Behavioral Health

At MUSC Health, we’re committed to providing the best care possible for those in need of behavioral health support. The EmPATH units are designed to address the growing need for quick, compassionate psychiatric care. By offering a dedicated space for rapid assessment and treatment, we’re helping you get back on track faster and with better outcomes.