Compass Health Network is unveiling a new program: Behavioral Health Crisis Center, which at Compass will be known as Crisis Access Point (CAP). Three CAPs have opened so far, with a fourth location in Raymore opening the end of August. In total, there will be eighteen locations across the state of Missouri, four of which are within Compass’ catchment area: Wentzville, Rolla, Jefferson City and Raymore. The goal of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center is to provide a safe, welcoming and less costly alternative to divert individuals,  away from jail and emergency rooms and into treatment services. These services allow for immediate triage and stabilization, further observation, connecting the individual to ongoing care and avoiding an inpatient admission.

The Behavioral Health Crisis Centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in the rain or shine. There will be a No Wrong Door that provide rapid access to triage, stabilization services, and linkage to appropriate community services for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Features of the centers include but are not limited to showers, meals, clothes, medications if needed, and comfortable recliners to sleep on.

No one will be turned away from the Behavior Health Crisis Center, but if other care is necessary, such as hospital care, the individual will be assisted in accessing with a warm handoff. These centers can serve adults, 18 and over, who are underserved, underinsured and uninsured and dealing with a mental health and/or substance use crisis. At the end of everyone’s visit, they will be given a personalized discharge plan to continue the care outside the door. The Crisis Center will work in collaboration with the local social service providers to develop needed resources and enhance the existing system of care to ensure no one falls through the cracks.