July 19, 2022 (Reposted from NYAPRS ENews)
New Facilities Provide Immediate Assistance to People in Crisis, Help Avoid Emergency Room Visits and Higher Levels of Care
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced funding awards of up to $75 million to create nine new Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers across the State that will assist any adult, child, or adolescent experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The centers will provide evaluation, care, and treatment in a safe and welcoming environment, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
“My administration is developing a robust and comprehensive crisis response system that will provide immediate assistance to people who need urgent care for a behavioral health crisis,” Governor Hochul said. “These Crisis Stabilization Centers will provide walk-in care all day every day, and enable people to deal with an emotional crisis in a safe and welcoming place.”
“More and more we are seeing growing numbers of behavioral issues among children and young adults that, when treated appropriately, can often become manageable for the person,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “The new intensive crisis stabilization centers will provide people experiencing behavioral health crises with an appropriate place to receive treatment rather than taking up much needed hospital beds.”
The Centers, which will be developed under the authority of the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports will help any individual experiencing an acute mental health or substance use crisis. Urgent and immediate treatment will help people deal with their crisis and divert them away from higher levels of care and unnecessary emergency room visits. The Centers will provide peer and recovery-oriented support services, in addition to referral and follow-up services to ensure people continue to receive the support they need.
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Governor Hochul’s commitment to helping vulnerable New Yorkers has enabled OMH to strengthen New York’s mental health safety net. Her executive budget and the initiatives she has implemented will provide the resources needed to quickly and effectively treat individuals and families in crisis. The new Stabilization Centers, together with new mobile crisis teams, crisis residential programs, and other community services will support and enhance our ability to quickly respond to people experiencing a behavioral health crisis.”