In response to the need for better mental health resources, the Capital City will soon introduce a new facility designed to offer crucial support for individuals in crisis. The Voluntary Crisis Response Center, located near 14th and Adams, is set to become a key resource for the community.
The $2.5 million facility will feature 16 beds and aims to fill a significant gap in mental health care. Unlike traditional facilities, this center offers an alternative approach, allowing individuals in acute mental health crises to receive help without requiring emergency intervention from police or hospitalization.
Jamie Scott, Chief Innovation Officer at Integrated Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), explained, “People experiencing severe mental health crises who need more intensive care can come to this center voluntarily, without needing police involvement or hospital admission.”
The Crisis Stabilization program, a core component of the center, will provide round-the-clock psychiatric care, access to therapists, and support for people transitioning back to their normal lives.
Additionally, the center will include a Mental Health Respite program, offering short-term stays for individuals moving between housing situations. Scott noted, “This will be a supportive environment where individuals can take a break and receive necessary care during their transition.”
IBHS anticipates that the center will quickly reach full capacity as it begins accepting referrals from the Lincoln Police, the Mental Health Crisis Center, and local hospitals. Scott expressed the organization’s commitment to the community: “We are passionate about contributing to a stronger, healthier community in Lincoln.”
The center is scheduled to open on December 1. IBHS expects that costs will be minimal, thanks to insurance and funding from Region V Systems.
Region V outlined the eligibility criteria for the Crisis Stabilization program:
Individuals must be 19 years or older and reside in the Region V Service Area (southeastern Nebraska).
They should have symptoms matching a DSM diagnosis that requires structured, intensive intervention.
The individual must experience significant mood or thought disturbances that disrupt daily activities and require immediate stabilization.
They should be at risk of harm to themselves or others and need continuous monitoring.
They require 24-hour observation and supervision, but not constant inpatient psychiatric care.
They should benefit from short-term crisis intervention services and be able to transition to less intensive care quickly.
