Assessments and Emergency Admissions

Assessment and Admissions Process

The Patient Assessment Services Department (PAS) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will work together with you to begin to identify and understand the psychological, psychiatric or emotional challenges you’re facing. Our comprehensive psychiatric assessment is designed to provide an evaluation and inform your treatment.

Family involvement is essential to ongoing support and recovery, and thus a primary consideration in all treatment models at Butler. We value input from your support system and will include them to the extent that it is appropriate. During this pandemic time with COVID-19 most communication with family will happen via telephone.

If possible, please call ahead before arriving. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please park in Lot A3.

Community Health Needs Assessment Final Report

Patient Assessment Services
Butler Hospital
345 Blackstone Boulevard
Riverview Building
Providence, RI 02906
P: (844) 401-0111

If you are experiencing an emergency or if you’re are at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911 immediately.

If possible, please call ahead before arriving. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To get direct help and guidance about mental health services, call the Behavioral Health Service Call Center, available 24/7 at 1 (844) 401-0111.

An Honest Conversation about Treatment

Assessment Team

The assessment team specializes in caring for people with psychiatric and addictive conditions. The multidisciplinary group works together to assess your condition with your input in order to create a comprehensive treatment plan. During the assessment process you can expect:

When you arrive at Butler Hospital’s emergency department, a member of our security team will verify whether you or anyone in your company possesses any items that may pose a safety risk to you or to others. Security will search your belongings for things such as concealed substances, prescription medications and weapons. Any items deemed to be potentially unsafe are bagged and locked in a secure area while you are in our care.
An intake coordinator will take your vital signs and preliminary information in order to assess the level of severity of your health condition.
A clinician will discuss in more detail any immediate risks or concerns that you have about your health. To better understand your symptoms, you will be asked about your reasons for coming to the hospital, as well as any other important details about your behaviors and thoughts. You will need to provide information about present or past medical conditions and complete some forms.
A pharmacy technician will collect information from you about any medication you’re currently taking. The technician will work with a physician to verify and coordinate prescription medications.
The clinician will brief a psychiatrist on your condition, who will meet with you to make a final decision on the best treatment options.
Our admissions staff will discuss the results of the evaluation and treatment recommendations to facilitate your transition into care, whether it is inpatient, partial hospital or accessing services in the community.
A patient financial services representative will discuss insurance options and/or policy limits with you based on your treatment plan. Obtaining pre-certification, the process of having your insurance company authorize and pay for your treatment can be a time-consuming process, but our team will provide assistance.

Medical tests or evaluations not provided by Butler Hospital may sometimes be needed. If you require medical clearance or stabilization, we will explain what is recommended and assist with a transfer to an appropriate medical facility.

Being Admitted for the Right Care

If you are admitted for inpatient care, you will be transferred to the appropriate unit as soon as a room is available. We transition patients from our emergency department into clinical care as quickly as possible, however, there are times when this may take several hours because a significant number of people transitioning from treatment units.

When one of our partial hospital programs is recommended for your treatment plan, our admissions team will assign you to the appropriate partial hospital program and provide instructions on when and where to report for program.

We also have partnerships with many community-based programs and will provide a referral should outpatient care be best. We will provide you with any necessary information, and when we’re able, we will also schedule your first appointment for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rights as a patient?

A person admitted or certified to Butler Hospital shall not be deprived of any constitutional, civil, or legal rights solely because he or she has been admitted or certified. We will explain your rights to you and answer any questions you may have about your rights as a patient at Butler Hospital. You will receive additional information on patient rights and you may request this information at any time.

What happens if I am admitted to Butler Hospital?

After the assessment process the Patient Assessment Services staff will introduce you to the hospital treatment team on the unit you are admitted to. You will also receive a brochure describing the patient care unit, which includes more information about the unit, visiting hours, and treatment programs. If you are admitted to Butler Hospital, the admissions staff will contact your insurance company to request coverage for your treatment.

How will the staff at Butler help me feel safe while in the hospital?

Safety is our priority. To assist you in staying safe, the units use a checks system in which a staff member checks on you frequently throughout the day. Staff also ensure that the environment is safe through frequent unit safety checks. Staff are always available to talk about any safety concerns you have.

What can I bring with me during my stay?

To help maintain a safe environment at Butler Hospital, we have updated our belongings management process for inpatient units. During admission, Butler’s Security team will help you identify which belongings are permitted on the unit, while items that are not permitted will be securely stored in the Hospitality Suite until discharge. When you are discharged, you will pick up your stored belongings from the Hospitality Suite and should not open the bag until you have left the hospital.

Have questions about your stay? We’re here to help you feel prepared and supported. Learn more about inpatient care and find answers to frequently asked questions.

How long will I stay?

The usual stay is anywhere from three days to one week, depending on your individual needs.

Will I get to go outside?

As you progress with your treatment, you will be able to go to the gazebo or on walks on the hospital grounds with staff during the daytime.

Can I smoke?

Butler Hospital is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted in the buildings or on the grounds. If you smoke or use tobacco products, the hospital will provide medications that may aid in smoking cessation or help to manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms. We appreciate your cooperation with our smoke-free policy.

Can I use the phone?

A pay phone is available for your use during free time and non-group time. The staff phone can be used for family and treatment-related issues. Cell phones are not permitted on the unit because of patient confidentiality.

Will I have a roommate?

You may have a roommate and may share a bathroom. There are no private rooms.

Who can visit?

During this time due to the COVID-19 Pandemic visiting is restricted. However the clinical team will contact your family and support system with your permission in order to better provide your treatment and care.

Patient Confidentiality

The Rhode Island Mental Health Law requires that the identity and treatment of all patients be confidential during and after their treatment at Butler. Records are protected under Rhode Island State Law and Federal Regulation 42CFR, Confidentiality and Drug Abuse.

What happens when it’s time for me to leave the hospital?

Social workers are available to help you prepare for discharge, and staff will review your follow-up plan with you before you leave. You will receive prescriptions for medications ordered by your doctor along with a discharge instruction sheet with follow up care plans and appointments.

Expert Staff

The expert staff in Patient Assessment Services (PAS) provides comprehensive assessments to determine the appropriate treatment level for each patient. Together, with you, the staff will develop an individualized care plan that will serve as the foundation for your treatment at Butler and in the community.

During your visit, you may meet with the following staff members:

Psychiatrists with advanced physician training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and brain-related disorders.
Advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in assessment and care of people with mental health and brain-related disorders.
Nurses and mental health clinicians specializing in patient assessment and admissions process to answer questions and provide support.
Patient intake coordinators who greet you at our emergency department and collect your basic information and vital signs.
Patient financial services representatives prepared to assist with your insurance information and help you navigate the payment process.

This team of professionals will make every effort to ensure that the assessment process is as relaxed and stress-free as possible. If something is not clear to you, please feel free to ask questions at any time. Intake coordinators are available at the desk at all times if you need assistance.

Associate Chief Medical Officer

Ghulam Mustafa Surti, MD

Associate Chief Nursing Officer

Diane Ferreira RN, MHA, CCM

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