The county says the Prevention, Assessment, Treatment, and Healing (PATH) Crisis Relief and Sobering Center will reduce arrests and ER visits.
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane County leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of a new behavioral crisis and substance use recovery center on Thursday morning.
The county says the Prevention, Assessment, Treatment, and Healing (PATH) Crisis Relief and Sobering Center is a $21 million project that aims to address behavioral health needs by diverting those in crisis away from arrests or emergency rooms.
“Together, this investment reflects a shared commitment to building a more responsive, coordinated, and compassionate behavioral health system – one that meets the needs of today while preparing for the future,” said Spokane County Commissioner and Board Chair Mary Brooks.
The county says the center will run under a 23-hour, no-refusal policy and feature a secure drop-off point for walk-ins.
Once complete, the PATH Center will offer comprehensive care in one location and expand on the existing Stabilization Center and the Alternatives to Incarceration program, which the county says have provided crisis services to 7,000 people since 2021.
The county says by combining services that have traditionally been fragmented, the facility will improve care coordination, reduce delays and ensure that people receive the right care at the right time.
“I know that this will reduce some of the needed gaps in our community…will reduce hospitalization and incarceration. Most importantly, though, we’re investing in the wellness of our community members,” said Washington Senator Marcus Riccelli at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The county says by diverting individuals from unnecessary hospitalizations and reducing reliance on emergency departments and the criminal justice system, the project will help alleviate strain on local systems while improving public safety and health outcomes. Additionally, the model is designed to reduce long-term costs by preventing repeated crisis interventions and investing in recovery-focused care.
“This project represents a shift in how we respond to behavioral health crises in our community,” said Justin Johnson, Community Services Department Director. “By creating a centralized, integrated, and accessible system of care, we are providing a meaningful alternative to emergency rooms and incarceration, while improving outcomes for individuals and families.”
The project is supported through a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources, including opioid settlement funds and local mental health sales tax. Construction begins this week and the facility is anticipated to open in Spring 2027.