New facility opens doors to rapid mental health services

A new facility dedicated to mental health and substance use disorder treatment is set to open at the Richard H. Pfeiffer Recovery Complex in Crawford County, significantly enhancing local healthcare services. The facility, which spans over 19,000 square feet, will employ 65 staff members, including 30 new positions, contributing to economic development in the area.

Scheduled to begin operations on October 1, the facility will house three key programs: Same Day Access, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and the newly established Scribe Intervention Center. The Same Day Access program, initiated in March 2023, allows individuals to walk in for mental health assessments without prior appointments. Since its launch, the program has seen nearly 1,500 intakes, reflecting a 67% annual increase in service utilization.

The Scribe Intervention Center, a first of its kind in the region, aims to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric emergencies. This center will operate as a crisis stabilization unit, offering up to 23 hours of care, with plans to seek certification for a higher level of care that would allow for involuntary admissions by fall 2024.

The facility's design prioritizes safety and dignity, featuring advanced security systems and ligature-resistant furnishings to ensure a secure environment for clients. The investment in the facility includes $190,000 for security systems and $250,000 for furnishings, aimed at creating a welcoming atmosphere for individuals seeking help.

Healthcare professionals emphasized the importance of rapid access to services, stating that individuals in crisis should not face long wait times for treatment. The new model aims to provide immediate psychiatric and detoxification services, with the goal of reducing the average wait time to just hours.

The facility also plans to address the needs of the homeless population, with statistics indicating that approximately 90% of homeless individuals may be experiencing mental health or substance use issues. The team is committed to providing comprehensive support, including mobile crisis services and collaboration with law enforcement to ensure individuals receive timely care.

As the facility prepares to open, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to transform mental health and addiction treatment in the community, providing essential services to those in need.