Mental Health

Lynchburg Opens New Mental Health Crisis Center

On November 23, 2025, Lynchburg marked a significant milestone with the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new mental health crisis center. This facility, operated by Horizon Behavioral Health, promises to provide faster and more efficient assistance to those experiencing mental health crises in Central Virginia. As mental health challenges continue to rise, the center aims to alleviate the strain on local hospitals and improve response times for crisis care.

Addressing the Rising Need for Mental Health Support

Mental health crises have become increasingly prevalent, with one in ten adults facing such challenges. Young adults, in particular, exhibit the highest occurrence of mental health issues. In Lynchburg, barriers to accessing mental health services have nearly doubled in recent years, affecting half of the city's residents. The new crisis center seeks to address these pressing needs by providing immediate access to clinical care.

Services Offered at the Crisis Center

The Lynchburg mental health crisis center is equipped with 16 crisis receiving center chairs and 16 crisis stabilization unit beds. The facility offers a range of services, including mental health evaluations, 23-hour observation, detoxification, and crisis stabilization services. These services are designed to keep individuals out of emergency rooms, reducing the burden on hospitals and providing targeted care for those in need.

“The goal is to ensure that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive immediate and appropriate care, thereby improving overall outcomes,” said Debra Jefferson, a crisis specialist working at Horizon Behavioral Health.

Horizon Behavioral Health's Role in the Community

Horizon Behavioral Health, the organization operating the new center, has been serving Central Virginia for 56 years. With a longstanding commitment to mental health care, Horizon aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of crisis response through this new facility. By offering specialized services, the center is expected to alleviate the strain on local hospitals and improve the region's capacity to manage mental health emergencies.

Future Prospects and Community Impact

The groundbreaking of the crisis receiving center represents a proactive approach to addressing the mental health needs of Lynchburg and its surrounding areas. Scheduled to open later this year, the facility is poised to make a significant impact by offering immediate access to care and reducing barriers for those in crisis. As the community anticipates the official opening, the center promises to be a vital resource in enhancing mental health support and accessibility in Central Virginia.