Admissions
Overview
Admission to Inpatient Psychiatric Services
At Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health, we understand that mental health crises can arise unexpectedly, and timely intervention is crucial for providing the right care. Our inpatient psychiatric services are designed to offer immediate and comprehensive support for individuals experiencing acute mental health distress. However, please note that we do not currently offer walk-in services. Admissions to our inpatient psychiatric unit are managed through two main pathways: via the Hospital Emergency Department (ED) or through local crisis response services.
Emergency Department Admission Process
Admission via Hospital Emergency Department (ED)
When individuals in crisis arrive at our Emergency Department, they are assessed by trained healthcare professionals who specialize in mental health care. The process is as follows:

Initial Evaluation
Upon arrival, patients are evaluated by an emergency physician or mental health professional. This initial assessment focuses on identifying the patient’s immediate needs, including safety concerns, risk factors (e.g., suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or harm to others), and the severity of their mental health condition.

Crisis Assessment
If the individual is in significant distress or poses a risk to their own well-being, a psychiatric crisis assessment is conducted by a psychiatrist or mental health professional. This thorough evaluation helps determine the best course of action, including whether inpatient care is needed.

Admission to Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
If inpatient care is recommended, patients are then admitted to our dedicated psychiatric unit for further treatment. This transition is seamless, with immediate access to medical care, psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and support. A treatment plan is developed based on the patient’s specific needs.

Stabilization and Safety
Once admitted, the primary focus is on stabilization, safety, and comfort. Our team works quickly to provide the appropriate care, including medications, individual or group therapy, and a structured environment designed to promote healing and well-being.
Emergency Department Admission Process
Admission via Hospital Emergency Department (ED)
When individuals in crisis arrive at our Emergency Department, they are assessed by trained healthcare professionals who specialize in mental health care. The process is as follows:

Initial Evaluation
Upon arrival, patients are evaluated by an emergency physician or mental health professional. This initial assessment focuses on identifying the patient’s immediate needs, including safety concerns, risk factors (e.g., suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or harm to others), and the severity of their mental health condition.

Crisis Assessment
If the individual is in significant distress or poses a risk to their own well-being, a psychiatric crisis assessment is conducted by a psychiatrist or mental health professional. This thorough evaluation helps determine the best course of action, including whether inpatient care is needed.

Admission to Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
If inpatient care is recommended, patients are then admitted to our dedicated psychiatric unit for further treatment. This transition is seamless, with immediate access to medical care, psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and support. A treatment plan is developed based on the patient’s specific needs.

Stabilization and Safety
Once admitted, the primary focus is on stabilization, safety, and comfort. Our team works quickly to provide the appropriate care, including medications, individual or group therapy, and a structured environment designed to promote healing and well-being.
Local Crisis Response Admission
Admission via Local Crisis Response
For individuals in the community who are experiencing a mental health crisis, our local crisis response services provide immediate intervention and support. These services are designed to assess, stabilize, and connect individuals to the right level of care. The steps for admission through this pathway include:

Crisis Intervention Services
Local crisis teams, which may include mental health professionals or crisis counselors, respond to individuals in distress either at home or in the community. These professionals can help de-escalate the situation, provide immediate counseling, and assess the level of care needed. If necessary, they will arrange transportation to the hospital for further evaluation.

Mobile Crisis Units
In some cases, mobile crisis units may be dispatched to provide on-site intervention and support. These units are equipped to assess the situation in real- time and determine whether a safe, voluntary admission to inpatient psychiatric care is appropriate.

Emergency Stabilization
If the crisis team determines that hospitalization is necessary, they will assist with the safe transport of the individual to our hospital. Upon arrival, the individual will undergo a full psychiatric evaluation to ensure they receive the appropriate care.

Seamless Transition to Inpatient Care
Once admitted, patients receive immediate access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and nurses. The goal is to stabilize the individual, reduce acute symptoms, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Inpatient Psychiatric Services
Why Choose Our Inpatient Psychiatric Services
Whether admitted through the Emergency Department or a local crisis response team, patients can trust that Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health offers compassionate, professional, and comprehensive care in times of urgent need. Our goal is to provide stabilization, address immediate mental health concerns, and help individuals begin the path toward recovery with the support they need to thrive in their community.
Insurance Information
To initiate the referral process, you can...

Contact admissions directly at (570) 912-4500

Email referrals to admissions@wyomingvalleybh.com

Fax the required information to (272) 275-3791

Once your fax is reviewed by our care team, our admission coordinator will contact you to discuss your client's admission details.
In Network Insurances
Visitation
VISITATION INFORMATION
Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health encourages family and friends to support loved ones during their treatment. Visitation days/hours vary by unit. The schedule is posted on the unit and will be communicated to a family member or friend designated upon Admission consent. Monitored visitation will be in a designated area that is off the unit.
Please be aware of the following:
- All visitors must provide your assigned passcode and show their ID when signing in at the Reception Desk in the Lobby.
- Depending on psychiatric status, the Treatment Team may restrict or limit your visits. Any such restriction or limitation will be reviewed with you and a Denial of Rights will be completed. Your Recovery Team will work with you to restore any restrictions or limitations.
- No more than two people may visit a patient at a time.
- Visitors will not be permitted to take handbags, totes, etc. to the visiting area, and are encouraged to leave all personal items in their vehicles, if they do not wish to have them searched or stored in a locker upon entry to the hospital.
- No one under the age of 18 is permitted to visit unless approved by Social Services for special times and building location for minor visits.
- No food or beverages are allowed during the visit. Food and beverages cannot be left for patients.
- All packages brought for patients will be inspected by nursing and/or security for contraband and an inventory entered by nursing staff in your medical record, before any items are given to you.
- We expect affectionate greetings and goodbyes and appropriate public social interaction, but inappropriate behavior will result in immediate termination of your visit.
- Patients have the right to receive or restrict visitors.
Lynn Brown, CADC, CAAP, CRSS, CEC
Dr. Mohammed Mushfiqur Rahman
Christen Marante, MSN, RN
Corey Kucker
Tracy O’Malley 
Frank NovitSki
Janet Stochla
Dr. Seymour Kushnir, MD, FRCPC
Kate Favata
Marie View
Dr. Angelique Cortez, DSW, LCSW, BCD
Stacey Wright, BSN, RN
Shawn Carroll
Donald Meyer, CLDP, SCM-T