Breaking the Revolving Door: How an Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center Is Reducing ER Reliance 

As behavioral health crises continue to rise, emergency departments have become an all-too-common—and often traumatizing—entry point for individuals in distress. Recognizing the need for a better approach, Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services (CN Guidance) launched one of the first intensive crisis stabilization centers in New York State providing 24/7/365 mental health and substance use services for those experiencing crisis and their families. 

In this webinar, CN Guidance shared how it designed and launched the “Community Crisis Center” (CCC) after receiving funding through the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). Attendees hear how incorporating lived-experience focus groups, stakeholder meetings, and input from educators created a welcoming, trauma-informed environment that provides a viable alternative to emergency departments. You’ll even meet the agency’s black lab trained facility dog, Arnie.

Speakers discussed the comprehensive community education and marketing campaign to raise awareness of the CCC. They shared how modern technology, specifically Cantata’s Arize EHR, supported the launch and operations. The CCC launch, alongside migrating to Arize, also helped structure and advance data governance efforts. The session also explored practical advice for agencies considering crisis center development in their own communities.