Behavioral Health Consult Services
Sometimes, patients hospitalized for acute medical conditions have co-occurring mental health disorders. To care for them appropriately, we formed our integrated Behavioral Health Consultation-Liaison (C-L) team. This team is comprised of a dedicated psychiatrist and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Referrals to the C-L service are made through a physician order.
Appropriate referrals include:
- Patients with psychiatric legal holds (5150, 5250, LPS conserved)
- Patients who require management and support for behavioral health disorders while being treated for acute medical issues
- Patients whose medical problems result in behavioral symptoms such as delirium, withdrawal, and dementia
Our Team
The C-L psychiatrist provides expert evaluation and advice in collaboration with the patient’s primary physician. This includes diagnostic assessment, medication orders and treatment, treatment recommendations, and discharge planning recommendations. The C-L psychiatrist also determines whether inpatient psychiatric hospitalization is appropriate. In addition, the C-L psychiatrist serves as a liaison and educator for the referring physician, hospital staff, patients, and their loved ones.
The LCSW ensures continuity of care between the hospital treatment team, patients, their families and/or primary support system, and their healthcare providers outside of the hospital.
The LCSW’s responsibilities encompass:
- Assessing the patient’s psychosocial needs
- Psychoeducation
- Crisis intervention
- Arranging for targeted therapeutic interventions
- Planning for the patient’s needs upon discharge