Patients who present in the emergency department (ED) with mental health issues often encounter long delays before being evaluated and admitted, transferred, or discharged. Arranging appropriate evaluation for these patients often disproportionately affects the operation of the ED, particularly in terms of space and staffing.

Some hospitals are using telemedicine to help evaluate ED patients. This report examines seven ED telepsychiatry programs in terms of their operational structure, financial support, and the challenges they have encountered. It also looks at the potential value that telepsychiatry could bring to the efficient operation of the ED and improved patient care.