Training issues in emergency psychiatry

The psychiatric emergency service (PES) is an excellent learning environment that offers trainees a multitude of educational opportunities. PES personnel need to develop training programs to ensure that: psychiatry residents obtain knowledge and skills in emergency evaluation, crisis management, and triage of patients, as required by accreditation bodies. Curriculum guidelines can be achieved through a rotation that offers an orientation, didactic presentations, clinical supervision, and graded responsibilities. Improved training opportunities, senior electives, and fellowships will promote emergency psychiatry as a career choice.