I need help for a psychiatric emergency

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.

Services Provided

• 24/7 telephone triage to discuss concerns and recommendations are made
• Evaluation for children and adolescents in immediate crisis, which includes concerns for suicidal or homicidal thoughts and psychosis
• Professional assessment and recommendation of the next steps in treatment for the child or adolescent
• Referrals to mental health services in the community, including outpatient and intensive services

What to Expect
Mental health evaluations in the Emergency Department (ED) are completed by mental health therapists. Their primary focus is to assess patients with an immediate crisis and recommend an appropriate level of care. When arriving at the ED, families need to register for a PIRC assessment

Evaluations are generally first come, first served, based on assessment room placement, which may result in a significant wait. However, patients will be monitored by the ED staff in a safe environment. PIRC staff does not provide medication changes or make medication adjustments. Possible next steps for an Emergency Department psychiatric risk evaluation visit include:

• Discharge home with a safety plan
• Discharge home with a safety plan and a referral for ongoing Behavioral Health services
• Admission to a higher level of care

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.