Empath is a 23-hour psychiatric unit. Empath’s core capabilities are working with an adult population (18 and above) who are experiencing a psychiatric event or are dealing with a substance use issue. Social workers are involved in the process by helping with assessments of patients, using therapeutic skills and psychoeducation in individual and group settings, assisting with discharge planning, accessing community resources, etc. The goal of the unit is that patients leave our facility with a safe plan for discharge (rehab centers, sober livings, home, shelters, etc.) and are set up with appropriate outpatient resources that they can access quickly. If the patient is needing additional mental health treatment, the patient will be sent to a behavioral health facility to continue being monitored and receiving psychiatric care until the presenting problem(s) reaches resolve and they are appropriate for discharge.
The Empath unit is located inside of a hospital which is open 24/7 with a social worker available all days of the week during the daytime shifts. Students will not be leaving the hospital for any reason and will only need transportation to and from the placement. There is a bus stop directly in front of the hospital. Students are suggested to have liability insurance if the school does not offer it. There is no filming of any kind while in the hospital. No stipend available.