Crisis Support Center

Project typeHealth Facility
Project scheduleConstructed; Final Stage of Permitting
Contractor namePeopleUSA
Completion DateNovember 30, 2025

The Center will be Ulster County’s first 24/7 walk-in facility for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis — a safe, welcoming place to receive immediate care and support.

In the months to come, the Ulster County Crisis Support Center will stand as a fundamental program in addressing the mental health and substance use challenges within our community. Designed to deliver immediate, short-term crisis intervention services around the clock, 365 days a year, this program will provide essential support during periods of acute distress. Individuals in need of immediate mental health or substance use support can access the Crisis Support Center through several convenient avenues:

Individuals can walk into the center directly, where trained staff are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance.
The center will accept referrals from healthcare providers, social service agencies, and law enforcement officials.
Individuals or their loved ones can also call the Stabilization Center directly, and crisis intervention specialists will be available around the clock to provide guidance and support.

Operations

The Crisis Support Center will be operated by People USA, a nationally recognized peer-led organization. Being peer-run means that all services are developed and operated by individuals who have personally overcome mental health challenges, addiction, or trauma.

People USA’s unique, peer-led models are proven to significantly reduce hospital utilization, incarceration rates, and overall healthcare spending. Most importantly, their programs are built on a foundation of customer engagement, comfortable environments, empathy, and positive expectations for people’s futures. Their approach shifts the conversation from illness to wellness, making recovery the expectation.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone in need can access timely, compassionate, and effective care during a mental health crisis.

Program Model

At its heart, the Ulster County Crisis Support Center program aims to stabilize individuals facing mental health or substance use crises and guide them toward ongoing treatment and support services. The environment is designed to provide a safe and welcoming space where individuals can feel comfortable and secure while receiving care. Through clinical assessments, timely intervention, peer support, and meticulous care coordination, the goal is to mitigate immediate risks and equip individuals with the tools and resources needed for their recovery journey.

A key component of the program is its capacity to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits. By offering prompt and effective crisis intervention in a community-based setting, we ensure individuals receive timely care in a less restrictive environment, alleviating pressure on emergency services and healthcare resources.

A Holistic Approach

The Crisis Support Center will provide a holistic approach to care, addressing not just the crisis at hand but also the underlying factors contributing to each individual's distress. This comprehensive strategy includes personalized treatment plans, access to behavioral health services, peer support networks, and connections to community resources — laying a foundation for sustainable recovery and wellness. This approach will foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, mental health experts, and community organizations.

The Crisis Support Center program will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to enhance mental health and substance use treatment accessibility, reduce stigma, and promote the overall well-being of our community. With ongoing investment and support, we are committed to ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the compassionate care and comprehensive support they need to thrive.

Project Status

Construction on the Crisis Support Center began in May 2024 and was completed in late summer 2025. The project is now in the final stages of licensing.