Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Program

Several kinds of patients benefit from psychiatric consultation, including:

• patients whose psychiatric condition precedes or coexists with a medical condition
• patients whose medical conditions and surgical procedures contribute to or cause psychiatric problems
• patients who have difficulty coping with medical conditions, surgeries and the side effects of treatments

In these cases, we perform examinations, including cognitive and neurological tests, to provide comprehensive biospychosocial diagnoses and treatment recommendations. We also assess the risk of suicide and other safety issues.

We commonly consult for cases involving a variety of disorders, including:

• delirium
• dementia
• mood disorders
• anxiety disorders
• substance use disorders
• somatoform disorders

We partner with patients, their families, medical and nursing staff and representatives from social agencies to provide excellent care, support recovery and assist with transitions to outpatient care.

Our faculty and residents work with both pediatric and adult inpatients at Erie County Medical Center and Buffalo General Medical Center.

Faculty and fellows associated with our Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provide pediatric consultation-liaison services at Oishei Children’s Hospital.

This specialty service provides a key training opportunity for medical students and residents in our department, giving them experience with the interface between psychiatry and the other specialties.