Avita to open Behavioral Health Crisis Center

In a time of crisis, many Americans with mental health struggles turn to the emergency room. However, that may not be the path of least resistance. 

That's why Avita Community Partners has developed a brand new Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Hall County. With funding from the state and almost two years of planning, the new Behavioral Health Crisis Center is expected to open this summer.

"The state of Georgia is trying to expand across the entire state, so that individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders have an opportunity to go to a local facility, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if they are experiencing a crisis," Avita CEO Cindy Levi said.

The center is located off Old Cornelia Highway, just passed the Rabbittown Rabbit and near White Sulphur Elementary School. The facility has 30 patient beds, six of which are reserved for those with developmental disabilities in crisis, as well as a 15 person observation unit.

"What we have seen is, really, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis have had long wait times in the emergency room," said Levi. "The emergency departments really aren't set up for that type of treatment, and so this is an alternative for that. Individuals could come straight here instead of going to an emergency department, and they can receive and assessment then treatment as well."

Levi said the Behavioral Health Treatment Center can help those who are experiencing a crisis and need voluntary or involuntary commitments, have issues with substance use, and have developmentally disabilities and are in crisis.

Every detail of each room has been carefully considered to ensure a safe experience for both patients and the staff.

"When you think of individuals who are experiencing behavioral health crisis, in many cases, they think of harming themselves and we don't want them to have the opportunity to do that, we want this to be a healing treatment area where they can be stabilized, connected to ongoing treatment," said Levi.

She explained the facility opted for non-ligature fixtures in bathrooms, on cabinets, and in other spaces; weighted furniture; and glass alternatives for windows.

There are also comfort touches as well. Sealed windows use frosting allow for safety and privacy but also natural light to enter rooms. An outdoor pavilion will have a nature-themed mural covering the chain link fence. A soothing blue and grey color palette flows through the building, touching on wooden accents. Multiple laundry facilities are stationed in different parts of the building.

"The average length of stay is about four to five days in the crisis stabilization unit," said Levi. "And before they are discharged they are connected to ongoing supports in the community."

There are touches of comfort for staff as well, with a spacious locker room, full bathroom and a bunk secured in a non-patient area.

As the facility prepares to open, Levi said they are actively recruiting new staff, including nurses, technicians, counselors, janitorial staff, and transportation staff. Contact information is below.

The new facility will replace the current crisis center in Flowery Branch. However, administrative offices will remain in Flowery Branch.