UK HealthCare’s new behavioral unit

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – State and local government officials gathered to celebrate the opening of UK HealthCare’s new emergency behavioral health unit on the Eastern State Hospital campus in Lexington.

UK HealthCare announced the launch of the psychiatric unit called “EMPATH,” which stands for “Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing.” This unit is the first of its kind in Kentucky, designed to provide immediate mental health care.

Officials believe that the EMPATH unit will significantly reduce the number of patients needing care in traditional emergency departments by offering specialized mental health services promptly. This innovative approach aims to improve patient outcomes and streamline the mental health care process in the state.