Saint Francis Hospital Behavioral Health Access Center

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center is pleased to announce the reorganization of the Behavioral Health Access Center, with the addition of a number of new services. All of our new services are designed to make it easier for Saint Francis healthcare providers to refer patients in need of behavioral health assessment and treatment.

Our Behavioral Health Access Center offers a streamlined approach to identifying and arranging the most appropriate level of service required. Whether you are seeking general information about our wide range of behavioral health services, a rapid clinical assessment to determine how best to proceed or direct admission to one of our inpatient programs, the Behavioral Health Access Center is there to assist you.

Initial Telephone Triage

Our triage staff will first obtain information to determine if there is need for emergency medical care. When necessary, our staff will assist in obtaining such services. Telephone triage staff will gather information and provide access to the appropriate level of service and behavioral health professional. Triage personnel can also answer general questions about available programs and treatment options.

Inpatient Admission Office

If direct admission to one of our inpatient programs is indicated, pertinent clinical information will be obtained and the call will be transferred to our Admissions Office and inpatient assessment specialist.

Rapid Assessment Service

If a further clinical assessment is indicated, a face-to-face evaluation will be scheduled with one of our licensed clinicians. This can often be done on the same day or, for less urgent situations, within 48 hours. The licensed staff will assess each person to determine the most appropriate level and type of service needed, including psychiatric, substance abuse or co-occurring disorders, to treat the problem effectively. In most cases, recommendations will involve either:

  1. referral for immediate care to our Psychiatric Stabilization Service;
  2. a priority referral for outpatient therapy or counseling to PATH Outpatient Services; or
  3. admission to one of our inpatient treatment programs.

Psychiatric Stabilization Service

Psychiatric advance nurse practitioners will initiate appropriate psychopharmacological treatment at the time of evaluation, when indicated. Immediate arrangements for therapeutic support will be made, including medication management, with initial follow up occurring within seven days. This approach will bridge any waiting period for assignment to a PATH psychiatrist for long-term care.

Our Clinical Team

The Behavioral Health Access Center gives you streamlined entry to our full range of services and behavioral health professionals. Our clinical team includes adult and child psychiatrists; internal medicine physicians and physician assistants knowledgeable in behavioral health care; psychiatric advanced nurse practitioners; licensed clinical social workers; licensed professional counselors; licensed marriage and family therapists; and licensed psychologists specializing in adults, children and adolescents.

Referral Process

Professional or self-referral can be made by calling us toll free at 800-251-6474. Please call between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. After-hours calls will be returned the following day.