In a busy emergency department (ED), agitation requires immediate attention and intervention. This chapter addresses methods of verbal de-escalation for the patient who is agitated, but still in control, or who can regain control without the need for restraints or medication, but who, without some verbal intervention, could escalate into full-blown agitation and behavioral dyscontrol. Verbal de-escalation takes no more than five or ten minutes. The best treatment for agitation is to prevent it, or prevent it from escalating. This chapter addresses techniques of verbal de-escalation that the emergency physician can quickly learn and implement as an alternative to seclusion and restraint. Ultimately, verbal de-escalation improves staff morale and patient adherence, because it uses a non-coercive, patient-centered approach. Verbal de-escalation takes no more than five to ten minutes and enhances the doctor-patient relationship, while seclusion and restraint require more staff and takes more time to implement.