Profile of a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program in a New York City municipal hospital.

This paper profiles the services provided, and the patient population treated, in a busy inner city Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) located in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. For each CPEP component, including the emergency room, extended observation unit and crisis services two years of data are reviewed. A diagnostic profile of patients seen, description of services, patient referrals and dispositions are presented. The children and adolescents treated in the CPEP are described in more detail, focusing on the high frequency of violence to self or others seen in their presenting problems. The CPEP's role in providing comprehensive community based services is discussed.