A new behavioral health crisis services center is set to be built in Williamsburg, Virginia, following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Governor Glenn Youngkin and other state and local officials. The $12.5 million Colonial Behavioral Health Crisis Services Center will offer urgent care for up to 24 individuals at a time, including a Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center, a Crisis Receiving Center, and a Crisis Stabilization Center.
Governor Youngkin described the event as evidence of progress under the Right Help, Right Now behavioral health transformation plan. “Today’s groundbreaking is a clear sign of the progress we are making through Right Help, Right Now. Across Virginia, we have more than quadrupled calls to 988, expanded to over 100 mobile crisis teams operating 24/7, and continue to grow crisis centers statewide,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This progress showcases the forward momentum for Colonial Behavioral Health, whose decades of service have made this community stronger. With this new center, Colonial is expanding that legacy and ensuring that when a Virginian is in crisis, help and hope are never out of reach.”
Colonial Behavioral Health provided care last year to over 3,500 people in Williamsburg and neighboring areas such as James City County, York County, and Poquoson. Officials said this demonstrates the need for increased crisis support in the region.
“Expanding the continuum of care allows people the opportunity to access the right level of help,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “This new facility builds on that momentum, ensuring that families here have quicker pathways to support and more options for recovery, dignity, and hope.”
Nelson Smith, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services stated: “Colonial’s new crisis center represents the future of behavioral health care in Virginia — timely access, community-based services, and coordinated support. By expanding crisis receiving and stabilization services here, we are ensuring that people in this region can find the right care, close to home, when they need it most.”
Hallie Pence serves as Executive Director for Right Help, Right Now: “This groundbreaking shows Right Help, Right Now in action,” she said. “Every new crisis center means faster care, fewer people in emergency rooms, and more Virginians finding hope close to home. Colonial’s leadership proves what is possible when local and state partners work hand in hand.”
The facility will be unique between Glen Allen and Hampton by providing assessment and stabilization services locally.
David Coe from Colonial Health CSB commented on how long-term planning led up to this project: “Our community began this journey almost 20 years ago. We began with two days of locally developed mental health training for law enforcement personnel. Since that time we’ve been able to undertake a robust crisis intervention team (CIT) training program develop a CIT Assessment Center expand its hours and develop mobile crisis services,” he said.“Today we celebrate the completion of our local adult crisis continuum.It’s been a long journey but worth every investment made at every level—it is a great day for this area.”
Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle noted: “This is an exciting day for our community.The Crisis Center will give families and neighbors the care and support they need close to home.I’m grateful to see this project become a realityand proud ofthe commitmentto making sure Virginians get theright help,rightwhen they need it.”
Delegate Amanda Batten also spoke about efforts leading up to construction: “After years of hard workand diligent collaboration between stateand local agencies,I am excitedwe are finally breaking groundonthis much-needed facility.The servicesandsupport offeredwill provide tangible benefitsourcommunityformanyyearscome.I am thrilledtohavebeenpartofprocess,andIlookforwardtocontinuingtoparticipateaswemakepositiveprogress.”
The governor’s initiative represents an ongoing $1.4 billion investment over three years into transforming Virginia’s behavioral health system since December 2022.
