Abstract
SYNOPSIS The technique of dealing with psychiatric referrals from a telephone emergency service is described. A personal series of 50 cases is analysed in terms of diagnosis, disposal and treatment methods.
The psychiatric intervention is discussed in terms of “crisis theory”, with the suggestion that immediate application of short-term treatment methods may be the most efficient way of using professional man-power.
A plea is made for the abandonment of the traditional treatment approach via “assessment” and assignment to a waiting list. It is also suggested that psychiatric “casualty services” for acute cases should be freely available.