(© Zoran Zeremski – stock.adobe.com)
Central Virginia residents now have access to better care when someone is experiencing a mental health or behavioral health crisis.
On Thursday, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the Horizon Behavioral Health Crisis Receiving Center. The Lynchburg crisis center hopes to officially open its doors to patients later this year.
The facility is designed to give individuals in crisis immediate access to clinical care, stabilization and a safe alternative to emergency departments.
The new center includes walk-in evaluations, 23-hour observation, crisis stabilization, detoxification services, 16 crisis receiving center chairs and 16 crisis stabilization unit beds.
The facility also provides a dedicated location for Emergency Custody Order and Temporary Detention Order transfers, shortening wait times and allowing law enforcement to return to their primary public safety duties.
“Horizon gives Central Virginia something it has never had before: a place built for fast, safe, and expert crisis care,” said Nelson Smith, commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
“This center reduces strain on hospitals, improves response times, and makes sure that people in crisis receive skilled support at the moment they need it.”
A similar effort is under way in Augusta County with a $16.5 million crisis center in Fishersville, near Augusta Health. Groundbreaking at the 6.17-acre site is expected some time this year. The facility, to be operated by Valley Community Services Board, should be open in the fall of 2027.
The planned 25,000-square-foot building will include fenced in exercise areas and a sally port for the safe admission and release of some patients.
A grand reveal event will take place for the Augusta County crisis center on Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Augusta Health community building. Governor Glenn Youngkin is scheduled to attend, according to VCSB Executive Director Kimberly McClanahan.
ICYMI
Horizon Behavioral Health has served Central Virginia for 56 years. It will operate the center and continue its partnership with local hospitals, first responders and community providers.
Renovations began in 2023 to design the new facility to also house the region’s Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center, improving coordination across local agencies and ensuring individuals under ECOs or TDOs are transferred to an environment designed specifically for behavioral health care.