Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)

Suicide is a leading cause of death for ages 10-24. Suicides among young people continue to be a serious problem.

If you or your child are in crisis these resources are available 24/7:

• Akron Children’s Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) is for patients ages 5-18 who are having mental health emergencies. PIRC therapists are in the emergency rooms (ERs) at the Akron and Boardman campuses, 24/7. Anyone can call 330-543-7472 or 866-443-7472 with mental health questions or concerns.
• Cal or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

For more information on signs of suicide and depression and helpful resources, visit the suicide prevention page.

If your child is in crisis these resources are available 24/7:

• Akron Children’s Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) is for patients ages 5-18 who are having mental health emergencies. PIRC therapists are in the emergency rooms (ERs) at the Akronand Boardmancampuses, 24/7. Anyone can call 330-543-7472 or 866-443-7472 with mental health questions or concerns
• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Text HOME or HOLA to 741741to reach the Crisis Text Line

The Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC), located within Akron Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, is the evaluation center for psychiatric risk assessments. PIRC provides evaluations and referrals to mental health services. PIRC mental health therapists provide patients with a reliable, professional triage and assessment.

Anyone with mental health questions is encouraged to contact PIRC 330-543-7472. PIRC is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. PIRC will work collaboratively with the family to develop a plan that addresses the immediate psychiatric concern.

The staff of our inpatient psychiatry unit have advanced training in helping children and teens whose emotional, behavioral and developmental disorders require hospitalization. We also offer outpatient consultation to young people dealing with the stress of a chronic medical condition, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. In addition, consultation is provided for children admitted for medical and/or surgical care who may also be experiencing emotional or mental health issues.

Our Partial Hospitalization Program offers intensive psychiatric services to teens ages 12 to 18 in an outpatient setting. We designed the program to keep teens in the community, out of psychiatric inpatient treatment, and/or transition them from our inpatient unit back home. Our goals are to help teens improve their functioning, develop healthy coping skills, and stabilize their mental status.