Acute Care

Acute Care (AC) is an inpatient program providing 24-hour access to psychiatric, psychiatric nursing, and correctional services 7 days a week.  The program provides intensive assessment and treatment, as well as rapid disposition for prisoners with acute mental illness, severe emotional disorders and possible co-existing disorders.  It is the preferred level of care for prisoners with serious mental illness and co-existing disorders and prisoners who are exhibiting symptoms of psychosis or high suicide risk.  A multidisciplinary team comprised of mental health and correctional professionals provides mental health and programmatic intervention.

The AC program follows a bio-psychosocial model, emphasizing intensive diagnostic assessment, stabilization with psychotropic medications and brief psychotherapy.  It offers a protective environment that facilitates stabilization of acute psychiatric disorders and rapid triage to other levels of care.  Integrated services emphasize coordination with other service providers and organizations.