Denver and the Mental Health Center of Denver today opened a new crisis-stabilization center that will significantly enhance support for people going through behavioral-health emergencies, including people experiencing homelessness. “Denver continues to innovate with behavioral health solutions designed to get people the right care at the right time — care that has become even more urgent since the start of the pandemic,” Mayor Hancock said during today’s grand opening. “The Solutions Center will provide critical longer-term options for recovery through collaborative, unified services. It also will divert those in crisis away from unnecessary time in jail or on a psychiatric hold.”
- Nearly seven years in the making, the Solutions Center will be a vital addition to the City’s co-responder and Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) alternative-response programs. It will offer three tiers of service:
- Drop-Off & Crisis Triage Center – First responders can bring people experiencing a behavioral health crisis here for immediate care. Only first responders (law enforcement and fire department/EMT units) or designated mental health professionals can refer someone to the Solutions Center. There is no public drop-off or walk up access.
- 16-bed Crisis Stabilization Clinic – The clinic will accommodate voluntary stays for up to five days for people receiving medication, evaluation, and therapeutic services.
- 30-bed Transitional Shelter – Transitional housing for up to 30 days for people recovering from a crisis. During this time, staff will work to connect individuals to community resources to assist with their successful reintegration into the community, including transportation, housing, and ongoing care.
- The Solutions Center will operate 24/7 with staffing provided by 59 clinicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, peer support specialists, residential counselors, and support staff.
- The building is located on the Denver Human Services Castro Campus in the Sun Valley neighborhood.
- It includes reception and common areas, laundry rooms, 46 bedrooms, multiple nurse stations, restrooms and showers, private client meeting rooms, medical and mental health exam spaces, a kitchen and dining area, a fitness room, administrative support areas and a 21,500-square-foot, fenced and locked courtyard complete with a basketball court.
