A statewide collaboration for psychiatric emergencies

This statewide program has resulted from two state agencies' extensive collaboration in addressing several potentially decisive crises. From the outset, its existence and success have depended on this collaboration. The training programs have recognized this fact by emphasizing the importance of learning the roles of all members of the system. For the same reason, each program is directed by a representative of the professional group being trained. Nevertheless, this and other statewide programs will face many problems including conflicts between key agencies. Disagreements over spending priorities or funding sources are two examples. These problems are easily outweighed by the opportunities provided by a statewide approach.