Hampton Psychiatric Emergency Department Provides Timely Care for Mental Health Crises

For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, waiting in an emergency room can exacerbate anxiety and distress. Jennifer Royal, a crisis intervention specialist with the Newport News Fire Department, emphasized the benefits of Riverside's psychiatric emergency department, which opened in Hampton in 2023. Before its establishment, her team often transported patients in need of emergency care to Riverside Regional Medical Center’s medical ER, where lengthy wait times could heighten their discomfort.

The opening of Riverside Psych has allowed for more direct access to specialized care, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and outpatient medication management. Royal noted that this change has not only improved patient access to care but also reduced the amount of time police officers spend waiting with individuals in crisis, previously tying them up for hours.

This emergency psychiatric department was launched during Virginia's expansion of its behavioral health crisis system, which includes initiatives like Right Help, Right Now and Marcus Alert. These programs have introduced additional crisis-response resources, such as the 988 hotline and mobile crisis teams, while enhancing collaboration between behavioral health providers and public safety agencies.

As Virginia’s first stand-alone psychiatric emergency department, it operates 24/7 and serves both adults and children ages 5 and older. Since its opening, the department has recorded over 16,000 visits. Royal's team responded to nearly 1,500 calls last year, transporting approximately 250 individuals to the facility.

Stacey Johnson, formerly the center's president and now president of Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg, highlighted the benefits of a calmer environment and the availability of mental health professionals around the clock. This setup aids in effective patient assessment and care connections.

The facility is designed with patient comfort in mind, featuring recliners, sensory rooms, and enclosed outdoor areas to help individuals de-stress.

Jack Field, president of Riverside Mental Health and Recovery Center, reported a significant decrease in average ER wait times—from over 10 hours to about six hours and 20 minutes—since the department's launch.

In addition, a recent state pilot program allows certified hospital staff in Hampton to perform evaluations to determine if adults qualify for temporary involuntary treatment, streamlining a process previously managed by community services boards.

Johnson noted that Riverside’s certified therapists can conduct these assessments by consulting with family members and other providers to better understand a patient's situation. She described the department’s mission as ensuring patients receive the right care, which might include outpatient treatment, medication management, or discussions with peer recovery specialists, aiming to provide treatment in the least restrictive environment possible.