New ideas for helping people with mental health crises are becoming reality around the country. Federal, state and local governments support these programs and centers. They want to reduce the burden on emergency rooms and support rural residents who have little access to help.

These programs range from walk-in crisis care centers to intensive residential programs for children. One of the newest walk-in centers is in my home county: Franklin County, Ohio.

The Franklin County Crisis Care Center opened the first phase of its offerings on September 2, 2025. Open 24/7, the center is like a psychiatric emergency room. It provides immediate care in mental health or substance abuse crises. It is located at 465 Harmon Ave. on Columbus’ west side and accessible by bus lines. Families also can call 988 to get help from the center.

This month (November 2025) Franklin County voters passed a levy that continues funding for the new center and allows expansion of a non-police response to mental illness emergencies. More than 30,000 adults are treated for mental illness and substance issues in Franklin County annually.

Service Offerings

• 24/7 Walk-In Services: Immediate access without an appointment
• 23-Hour Observation: A safe and calming space for short-term stabilization and intensive observation for up to 23 hours
• Community Services: On-site connections to mental health and substance use treatment providers, housing resources and other essential services within Franklin County
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services: Comprehensive services from detox to the initiation of medication-assisted treatment
• Pharmacy Services: On-site pharmacy with automated medication dispensing system

Improving the Gap Between Hospital and Home

Caregivers have long wanted more help as loved ones move from the psych ward to their homes. These options help people learn how to maintain sobriety and/or improved mental health.

Intensive residential programs give needed support to individuals, especially children, as they transition out of a hospital setting before going home.

Therapeutic boarding schools provide a highly structured environment with therapy for young people who don’t require intensive treatment but need support in a therapeutic setting. 

The availability of common-sense mental health care settings seems to be on the rise. That can only be a good thing for everyone.