The Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit is a closed and secure environment where services are offered to adults aged 18 and older presenting with severe and active psychiatric disorders. The goal is to stabilize the individual’s mental state with specialized pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, so that they can safely return to the referring unit.
Admission occurs following a referral from the Douglas Institute’s Psychiatric Emergency or through transfers from psychiatric units at the Douglas Institute, St. Mary’s Hospital Centre, and Lakeshore General Hospital.
Services include:
- Assessments
- Symptom management skills
- Pharmacotherapy
- Behavioural risk management
- Physical safety measures to protect the person and manage crises (e.g., removing sharp objects)
- Transition plan to an inpatient unit
The team consists of psychiatrists, nurses, and patient attendants. A pharmacist works in collaboration with the team to ensure timely delivery of the most effective pharmacological treatments.
