Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services
Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) provides 24/7 crisis intervention service for all ages. PESS offers in-person emergency crisis intervention to those experiencing suicidal or homicidal ideation, acute psychiatric inability, or inability to care for their mental, physical, or emotional wellbeing.
We’re here to help with:
-
Depression
Identifying and treating depression and other mood disorders.
-
Stress & Anxiety
Identifying and treating anxiety disorders.
-
Mood Disorders
Helping to identify and treat mood disorders, like bipolar disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
-
Trauma
Providing support to navigate traumatic events and aid in the healing process.
-
PTSD
Supporting you to identify and treat PTSD and other mental health challenges due to stress and trauma.
-
Grief & Loss
Helping you to move forward with your grief and feelings of loss.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services, you must:
- Have a referral from a hospital or a call from a community member
- For more information, you can call (609) 465-5999 for Cape May County or (856) 845-9100 in Gloucester County.
What to Expect
-
Reaching Out
To contact PESS, call (856) 845-9100 for Gloucester County, or (609) 465-5999 for Cape May County. A community member, family member, or friend can call on your behalf, or you can receive a referral from a hospital.
-
Arranging Services
PESS services begin within two hours of your referral. The PESS team will perform a crisis assessment to determine if you can be discharged to the community or if you need a higher level of care.
-
Moving Forward with Care
If you need a higher level of care, PESS will connect you with the appropriate services and support. If not, you’ll be free to leave and can always call back if you need further emergency services.
FAQ’s
What will happen after my crisis assessment?
An assessment will determine whether you need a higher level of care or can be discharged back to your community. If extended care is needed, PESS will assist in finding the right support.
Will PESS help my family member access inpatient care?
While PESS does not provide inpatient care, if it is determined that your family member needs a higher-level care, then we will help them in finding that care.
Will my family member be safe?
PESS will do everything in our power to ensure your family member’s safety while they are in an emergency screening and will assist them in finding further care if it is determined that they are still a danger to themselves or others.
How do I qualify for Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services?
To qualify for PESS services, you must:
- Have a referral from a hospital, or a family or community member can call on behalf of their loved one.
- For more information you can call (609) 465-5999 for Cape May county or (856) 845-9100 in Gloucester county.
