psychiatric triage

Psychiatric triage is a process used by mental health professionals to quickly assess and prioritize individuals seeking urgent care. It involves evaluating symptoms, severity of distress, and risk factors such as suicidal thoughts or violence. The goal is to determine how urgent the situation is and to direct patients to the appropriate level of care promptly, ensuring those in immediate danger receive immediate attention while others are appropriately scheduled or referred. This process helps manage limited resources efficiently and ensures safe, effective treatment for those in crisis.