AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday marked the opening of Georgia’s newest behavioral health crisis center.
The new state-of-the-art facility, operated by Serenity Behavioral Health Systems, officially opened at 3421 Mike Padgett Highway.
The new state-of-the-art facility, operated by Serenity Behavioral Health Systems, officially opened at 3421 Mike Padgett Highway.(Contributed)
The center was made possible through a state investment, including nearly $14 million in construction funding and $9.4 million for operations provided by the state.
The center replaces Serenity’s previous 16-bed crisis stabilization unit, which served the community for 17 years with funding support from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
The center will provide short-term stabilization, assessment and treatment services for individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises.(Contributed)
The new facility significantly expands crisis response capacity and includes:
24 crisis stabilization unit beds.16 temporary 23-hour observation chairs,Capacity to serve up to 40 people at once.
The center will provide short-term stabilization, assessment and treatment services for individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises.
People can seek services voluntarily or be referred through law enforcement, hospitals or the courts. The typical stay is three to five days but can be as long as 10 days.
The opening of the Augusta Behavioral Health Crisis Center is part of Georgia’s broader strategy to build a stronger, more responsive behavioral health system.(Contributed)
The opening of the Augusta Behavioral Health Crisis Center is part of Georgia’s broader strategy to build a stronger, more responsive behavioral health system focused on early intervention, crisis stabilization and long-term recovery support.
In the past five years, the state has started developing five new crisis center locations in Clayton, Fulton, Laurens and Richmond counties.
“This center represents hope for individuals and families experiencing a behavioral health or substance use crisis while also providing critical support to hospitals, law enforcement, and emergency responders throughout the region,” Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kevin Tanner said at Wednesday’s ceremony.
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