The Crisis Response Center (CRC) at Temple University Hospital – Episcopal Campus is a 24-hour psychiatric emergency service where individuals experiencing behavioral health crises receive evaluation, treatment and referral for additional care. A skilled team of psychiatrists, psychiatry residents, psychiatric nurses, crisis response technicians and clinical social workers treats more than 10,000 patients each year for episodes of psychosis, intoxication, substance withdrawal, and threatened or attempted suicide, among other conditions.
Evaluation & Stabilization
- The CRC staff work closely with the Emergency Department at TUH – Episcopal Campus to provide medical evaluation and treatment when necessary.
- The CRC accepts walk-in patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis, or they may receive treatment at the center at the direction of medical providers or law enforcement authorities. Patients may access the CRC by visiting the TUH – Episcopal Campus emergency room.
- Upon arrival at the CRC, patients undergo an initial interview with a nurse or mental health technician, followed by a second, more detailed discussion with an attending psychiatrist or psychiatry resident. Patients receive medication to calm or stabilize them, as necessary, and CRC providers attempt to contact their family members to obtain additional information.
- The CRC features a six-bed, 23-hour observation unit where individuals who require more time for assessment by the team can stay instead of an inpatient admission to the hospital. The unit is a safe space where patients can receive treatment to stabilize their conditions before moving on to the next level of care.
Next Steps
The CRC’s goal is to determine which services, such as inpatient or outpatient behavioral health or substance use care, are most appropriate for patients after discharge.
While some patients will be admitted to the inpatient Behavioral Health Center onsite at TUH – Episcopal Campus, the CRC also has referral agreements with agencies and facilities throughout the Delaware Valley that offer can offer patients the treatment and follow-up care they need. Certain individuals may be admitted directly to an inpatient behavioral health unit or substance use program, while other patients might be referred to outpatient care. CRC providers can also refer homeless patients to a shelter or recovery house.
If you have a behavioral health crisis, call 215-707-2577 to speak with a CRC representative.