New York State has opened a new facility in the East New York section of Brooklyn to provide urgent treatment to people experiencing a behavioral health crisis, the state Office of Mental Health announced April 7. The agency said the supportive crisis stabilization center is intended to help New Yorkers avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.
The center is operated by Services for the UnderServed, a nonprofit also known as S:US, and is licensed in partnership with the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports, according to the Office of Mental Health. The agency described the state-supported center as a safe, healing space where individuals and families can receive immediate care during a mental health or substance use emergency.
The center is open around the clock and offers stabilization services for people in crisis for up to 24 hours, the Office of Mental Health said. The agency framed the facility as an alternative to often busy emergency room care.
“Supportive crisis stabilization centers offer an alternative to often busy emergency room care, where New Yorkers in crisis can receive caring and supportive behavioral health services for up to 24 hours,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said in the announcement. “This S:US facility will provide a welcoming space where individuals and families can access high-quality treatment and successfully connect with needed services.”
The Office of Mental Health said the opening of the East New York center advances Governor Kathy Hochul’s continuing commitment to expanding behavioral health services across the state.
