MetroHealth opens new psychiatric emergency department in Cleveland Heights

MetroHealth has opened a new psychiatric emergency department in Cleveland Heights, expanding its behavioral health services. This facility aims to alleviate pressure on general emergency departments and address the gap left by St. Vincent Charity Medical Center's closure of its psychiatric services in June 2024. The psychiatric emergency department is designed to treat individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis. It features specialized staff and patient rooms that prioritize safety and comfort, providing a calmer environment compared to traditional emergency rooms. MetroHealth's new department can accommodate 13 patients and is one of the few of its kind in Ohio. The facility was developed in response to increasing demand for mental health services, particularly after the closure of St. Vincent's psychiatric emergency department, which served around 3,000 patients annually.