Exciting New Behavioral Health Crisis Center Coming to Augusta
Augusta, Georgia is set to welcome a significant improvement in its mental health services with the groundbreaking of a new Behavioral Health Crisis Center. This facility, located off Mike Padgett Highway, will take the current 16-bed crisis center and expand it to a much-needed 24-bed facility. Plus, it will have the capacity to host up to 40 individuals at any time, ensuring that more people can get the help they need when they need it most.
Upgrading Services for the Community
Chuck Williamson, the CEO of Serenity Behavioral Health, shared his excitement about the project, stating, “It’s just basically an upgrade from the current CSU (Crisis Stabilization Unit) that we currently have in place.” It’s no secret that there’s a growing demand for effective behavioral health services across Georgia, and this upgrade aims to address that need right here in Augusta.
The new center is part of a larger initiative in the state to create eight new crisis centers, with Augusta being a priority location. According to Commissioner Kevin Tanner from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, “What we saw in this area is that we had enough capacity if we increased Serenity’s Crisis Center to a BACC (Behavioral Assessment & Crisis Center) with the full 40 beds.” This means less wait time and more focused care for those in distress.
Preventing Hospitalization
One of the most critical aspects of the new facility is its focus on providing a safe space for individuals in a behavioral health crisis. The aim is to prevent these individuals from being placed in jails or hospitals, which are often not equipped to handle mental health issues properly. Williamson explains that this facility will be a middle ground for those who may need urgent help but don’t necessarily require a hospital stay. “It just enables us to keep people from having to go to hospitals. It’s a lot more cost-effective to bring them here,” he noted.
A Lifeline for Many
The need for this expanded facility is evident. Many folks in the Augusta area are reaching out for support, and having a dedicated center that specializes in behavioral health is crucial. It’s about providing a lifeline for those who might be feeling overwhelmed. Troy Curry, a Certified Peer Specialist with Serenity Behavioral Health, shared a powerful metaphor, saying, “Pure support is nearly seeing a person down in the hole, looking down in the hole, jumping down in the hole with that person, and showing that person how to get out of that hole.”
For anyone going through a behavioral health crisis, it’s important to know there’s help available. The Georgia Crisis Hotline is a reliable resource that you or someone you know can reach out to at (800) 715-4225.
Looking to the Future
This $13.2 million investment in the Augusta community shows a commitment to improving mental health care and supporting those in crisis. With the new facility, Serenity Behavioral Health is making strides towards offering more comprehensive services that truly meet the needs of the community.
As construction begins on this new center, residents can look forward to better access to mental health support right in their neighborhood. It is a step towards a brighter, healthier future for many individuals in need.
