Governor Glenn Youngkin attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Horizon Behavioral Health Crisis Receiving Center in Lynchburg, which is set to begin serving patients later this year. The new facility aims to provide immediate clinical care and stabilization for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, offering an alternative to emergency departments.
The center features walk-in evaluations, 23-hour observation, crisis stabilization, detoxification services, 16 crisis receiving center chairs, and 16 crisis stabilization unit beds. It also includes a dedicated space for Emergency Custody Order (ECO) and Temporary Detention Order (TDO) transfers. This setup is expected to reduce wait times and allow law enforcement officers to return more quickly to their primary duties.
Governor Youngkin said, “Expanding behavioral health crisis care in Lynchburg is a powerful step for Central Virginia. This center gives people a place where help is available right away, where families can find answers instead of uncertainty and where law enforcement can safely transfer individuals in crisis and return to protecting their communities. Horizon has been serving this region for decades, and today we build on that work by ensuring people can get the right help at the moment it matters most – right now.”
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly added, “Lynchburg has taken bold action to ensure Virginians in crisis are not left waiting or searching for help. This center offers immediate access to care, skilled and compassionate professionals, and a clear path to stability for individuals and families who need support right away.”
Nelson Smith, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, stated, “Horizon gives Central Virginia something it has never had before: a place built for fast, safe, and expert crisis care. This center reduces strain on hospitals, improves response times, and makes sure that people in crisis receive skilled support at the moment they need it.”
Hallie Pence, Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now commented, “The opening of this center shows what Right Help, Right Now looks like on the ground. People in crisis will be able to walk through these doors and be seen quickly, getting the care they need. This is a place designed to bring calm, clarity, and real support to moments that can feel overwhelming.”
Melissa Lucy, CEO of Horizon Behavioral Health said,“For generations, Horizon has walked alongside this community during its most difficult moments. This new center reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are and giving them care that is timely, professional, and grounded in compassion. It is an investment in our neighbors and in the future of Central Virginia.”
Senator Mark Peake remarked,“This center will make a real difference for families across Central Virginia. It ensures that when someone is in crisis, they can get help close to home from people who are prepared to respond quickly and safely. That is an important step forward for our region.”
Delegate Wendell Walker said,“Lynchburg has needed a resource like this for a long time,and Horizon has delivered.This center will help individuals in crisis get the care they need while easing the stress on families,law enforcement,and our hospitals.It is a strong step for our community and our Commonwealth.”
Horizon Behavioral Health will operate the new facility as part of its ongoing partnership with local hospitals first responders,and community providers.The renovations began in 2023 with plans including housing the region’s Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center.This arrangement aims to improve coordination among agencies especially regarding ECOs or TDOs transfers.The project received state,federal,and opioid abatement funding as part of broader investments under Governor Youngkin’s Right Help Right Now plan.
Right Help Right Now represents a three-year,$1.4 billion initiative intended to transform Virginia’s behavioral health system by expanding access strengthening workforce resources improving community-based services,and ensuring those experiencing crises have reliable options for assistance.
