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.