New emergency centers will improve emergency mental health services in Dane County. County Executive Kathleen Falk said the new facilities in Madison and Monona meet a growing need for mental health services. Falk noted that twenty percent of all adults “will go through some mental health crisis,” and that Dane County spends 30 million dollars annually providing mental health care services. The facilities will offer support and treatment to adults who need more than a visit to a psychiatrist but don’t require hospitalization.
The 24-hour mental health crisis care stabilization centers will be operated by the Mental Health Center of Dane County and by Tellurian UCAN Incorporated. Bill Greer is CEO of the Mental Health Center of Dane County which will operate a 12 bed facility in Madison’s Bayside neighborhood. he says the Bayside Place facility will offer respite, support and treatment for adults with mental health issues requiring more than a visit to a psychiatrist, but who don’t require hospitalization.
Tellurian Director Kevin Florek says the eight bed facility in Monona represents a “very safe model” similar to centers Tellurian already operates in Janesville and LaCrosse. Individuals using the facilities are expected to be placed through a variety of means, including referrals from law enforcement and social service agencies, family members and self referrals for stays ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
According to Falk’s office, the new care facilities are being paid for through a combination of local and federal funding sources totaling around $1.45 million, with the county share at $161,000. Falk also said the new centers will help save tax dollars by providing an alternative to hospital emergency rooms for individuals with emerging mental health needs. The Tellurian enter is due to open at the end of October, and the Bayside facility in early 2011.
