The Columbia Behavioral Crisis Center – Rapid Access Unit now provides walk-in access to care 24 hours a day, seven days a week for individuals in need of immediate mental health or substance use care.
Burrell Behavioral Health has expanded the hours at its Columbia Behavioral Crisis Center – Rapid Access Unit to provide walk-in access to care 24 hours a day, seven days a week for individuals in need of immediate mental health or substance use care. The center, located at 1805 E. Walnut St., is in the lower level of Burrell’s Stephens Lake Clinic.
“In September 2022, we opened our Behavioral Health Crisis Center, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Since opening just over a year ago, we have seen a consistent increase in the number of people utilizing this service. Providing round-the-clock, 24/7 walk-in access to care saves lives by allowing individuals to receive lifesaving treatment when it is needed most,” said Mat Gass, President of the Central Region of Brightli, Burrell’s parent company.
Burrell knows a crisis is self-defined and doesn’t observe normal 9 to 5 hours. Now, anyone experiencing a crisis can walk into the Columbia Rapid Access Unit any time of day, in addition to calling, the new, easier to recall Suicide Lifeline.
These two resources are valuable, recommended additions to emergency planning. Just like we plan for physical emergencies, such as knowing where a hospital is or where to take shelter in a natural disaster, knowing what your resources are during a mental health crisis can be a part of our safety planning.
A walk-in crisis access point is similar in nature to an urgent care clinic. Here clients receive immediate assessment and stabilization, and are provided treatment, medication and referrals as appropriate. This might be a psychiatric consultation for some or a warm hand-off to a community-based service.
The current Behavioral Crisis Center location is temporary. The recent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding designated by the City of Columbia will allow Burrell to fulfill its original intent to build a larger BCC as part of their Phoenix Clinic on Leslie Lane.
To learn more about mid-Missouri’s behavioral and substance use crisis center visit www.burrellcenter.com/ColumbiaBCC.
Watch a tour of the Behavioral Crisis Center here. Media are welcome to credit Burrell and use this footage in news reports.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis, please call our toll-free 24-hour telephone line. Our team can help provide immediate assistance.
Southwest Missouri: 1-800-494-7355
Central Missouri: 1-800-395-2132
National Help Line: Call or Text 988