Bucks County, Lenape Valley Foundation unveils crisis stabilization center

Wenjing Ding, Bucks County Courier Times
Updated ·4 min read
Bucks County Unveils Innovative Crisis Stabilization Center to Address Behavioral and Mental Health Needs
Bucks County Unveils Innovative Crisis Stabilization Center to Address Behavioral and Mental Health Needs

Bucks County took a step toward addressing the growing needs of residents in crisis with the unveiling of a new center that will house services under one roof.

The county and its partners will open the center in Doylestown to offer mental health crisis services. Construction will start in 2024. Officials said the comprehensive approach will lead to better and quicker access to services that are now "fractured" at different locations and through various providers and agencies.

The Bucks center will be the first of its kind in Pennsylvania and is anticipated to serves some 7,000 annually, officials said.

"Crisis stabilization centers are designed to prevent or ameliorate a behavioral health crisis and/ or reduce acute symptoms of mental illness/substance use by providing 24-hour observation, treatment and supervision," according to a news release.

It will also take those in crisis, in some cases, out of emergency rooms that can escalate an issue or condition as they can be loud and a "chaotic enivornment" at times. The center, in comparison, is designed to be a calming space focused on these patients specific needs and vulnerabilities.

"Mental health, drug and alcohol, intellectual disabilities, first responders, law enforcement, physical health, homeless outreach and other services will be housed at one site," officials said in a news release. "Treatment will begin immediately upon entrance to the center, and, as indicated, referrals for more acute services will be made to programs such as inpatient psychiatric facilities, longer-term drug and alcohol treatment, and any other service the individual needs."

The county and its partners will open a stabilization crisis center to offer mental health crisis services in one location. Officials said the comprehensive approach will lead to better and quicker access to services that are now "fractured" at different locations and through various providers and agencies.
The county and its partners will open a stabilization crisis center to offer mental health crisis services in one location. Officials said the comprehensive approach will lead to better and quicker access to services that are now "fractured" at different locations and through various providers and agencies.

Collaborating with key organizations and officials, including the Lenape Valley Foundation, Doylestown Health, Bucks County Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs, Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Magellan Behavioral Health, and NAMI, the county unveiled renderings of the new facility on Thursday.

Lenape Valley Foundation, a Doylestown-based nonprofit behavioral health organization that helps over 14,000 people each year, will operate the center.

"I'm so proud to bring this new building to you," said Chief Executive Officer of Lenape Valley Foundation Sharon Curran. "The new crisis center offers a comprehensive range of services, including behavioral health, mental health, drug and alcohol services for individuals of all ages."

The significance of this unveiling was not lost on Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo,who expressed his pride in being part of the project. "It is an incredibly happy day for Bucks County. The new crisis center will become a model for the county," he said.

The center, located next to the existing Lenape Valley Foundation building, is not just a response to recent challenges; officials said Lenape Valley and its partners have been working for years to create a more supportive environment for those in need.

The plans for the new center include integrated care across clinical disciplines, separate lobbies and rooms for children and adults, accommodations for accompanying family members, and designated spaces for individuals awaiting longer-term placement.

It will also feature:

Crisis stabilization services provided through the new center will include:

  • 24/7 crisis telephone interventions,

  • Mobile crisis services that can respond to calls in a timely manner

  • 23-hour stabilization units that embrace the Living Room Model

  • Short-term crisis residential treatment facilities

  • Withdrawal management

  • Secured crisis stabilization units that provide a safe environment to foster quality care and recovery

Crisis Stabilization Center Unveiling
Crisis Stabilization Center Unveiling

Robert J. Harvie Jr, County Commissioners Board Chair, highlighted the urgent need for such a facility, stating, "The crisis center that we're going to build right here is going to make it much easier for families to find the care their loved ones need, especially for those dealing with mental health or drug and alcohol issues."

The crisis center secured funding from multiple sources, including the state Department of Drug and Alcohol, Bucks County, the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Bucks County's Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee.

"It's very exciting that Bucks County is committing its resources to make sure this facility is done operations," said Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health. "Doylestown Hospital's dedication to serving the needs of our community fully supports this walk-in center concept, bringing together mental health and drug and addiction services in an integrated manner."

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: First-of-its-kind crisis stabilization center in PA unveiled in Bucks County