Hampton Opened State's First Psychiatric ER in 2023
The dedicated Riverside psychiatric facility now serves adults and children requiring specialized mental health care.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Mental Health
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Riverside opened Virginia's first freestanding psychiatric emergency department in Hampton in 2023. The facility operates 24 hours a day to provide specialized mental health care for patients ages 5 and older.
Why it matters
The center offers a quieter environment than traditional emergency rooms, helping to reduce patient wait times and alleviate pressure on hospital resources. It serves as a specialized alternative for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
The department has recorded over 16,000 visits since its 2023 opening. Average time spent in an emergency room dropped to 6 hours and 20 minutes from the previous 10-hour benchmark.
The players
Riverside
This health system operates the psychiatric emergency department and provides medical services across the region.
Newport News Fire Department
This emergency agency provides fire and rescue services and utilizes the facility for mental health-related crisis calls.
The details
The facility treats both adults and children with features like recliners, sensory rooms, and enclosed outdoor areas. A 2024 state pilot also allows certified hospital staff in Hampton to perform assessments for temporary involuntary treatment.
Timeline
Riverside opened the psychiatric emergency department in 2023.
A state pilot program began in 2024 to allow staff-led assessments.
The Newport News Fire Department utilized the facility for 250 calls last year.
Health Landscape
The facility acts as a central component of Virginia's behavioral health crisis system expansion. This development marks a transition toward specialized emergency care that diverges from the legacy reliance on traditional hospital ERs.
Patients and families in the area now have access to a facility designed to handle mental health emergencies in a specialized, quieter environment. This change allows for faster throughput and more focused care for both adults and children compared to standard ER visits.
The takeaway
Specialized psychiatric emergency units can significantly reduce wait times for individuals in crisis compared to traditional emergency rooms. Local residents may benefit from these dedicated resources when seeking immediate support for behavioral health needs.
Further reading
For more information on regional crisis support, visit the Mental Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMRA and WEMC.
Live Poll
Should your community prioritize standalone psychiatric emergency centers over general hospital emergency rooms?
