Matthew Kresconko

Review of Erie County Medical Center Cor...

Experiences with ER and CPEP.

Experiences with ER and CPEP.
ER was slow as ERs always are but staff were kind and helpful. Staff members treated everyone, from forgetful drunks to those under arrest with compassion and professionalism.
CPEP was slow, but staff was neither kind nor helpful. Lack of compassion, kindness, or understanding is rampant, from technicians and security personnel up through psychologists. If you have a real issue and are in an acute state of crisis that requires mental health services you will not receive help here. You will not receive help here. You will be treated like an inmate, no one will tell you exactly where you are in the process, and you will have more anxiety from being there than when you came in. If you must go here, please consider these suggestions:
- If you don't have the phone number of someone you trust memorized, write it on your skin so you can stay in contact with someone. You won't have access to anything you bring with you until you are released.
- Your first evaluation is an interrogation. Don't let them scare you, don't let them intimidate you, slow down and speak your truth.
- Your nurse would rather eat Paula's Donuts in the glass cage. Make him/her come out and address your needs.
- The Patient Bill of Rights is attached to the wall in CPEP waiting room. Read it repeatedly and assert your rights as needed.
Real help is out there, I promise you that, but it is not here. Stay strong and get to the people who can help. People I love have had success with:
Best Self Behavioral Health - locations all over city
Community Concern - Derby and Hamburg