A mental health or addiction crisis can feel overwhelming, but getting help shouldn’t be. Today, emergency mental health support is more accessible than ever thanks to a strengthened crisis care continuum designed to ensure that no one faces a crisis alone.
The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) and its partners are working together to provide comprehensive, compassionate support at every stage of a crisis: someone to call, someone to come and somewhere to go. This coordinated model meets people where they are and ensures faster, tailored care for every individual.
Someone to call
When a crisis begins, help is just three digits away. Since its launch in 2022, 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — has become the central access point for anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance use concerns or thoughts of suicide.
In Franklin County, North Central Mental Health Services answers calls 24/7, while Netcare Access supports text and chat services. Individuals can contact 988 for themselves or on behalf of a loved one who may need urgent behavioral health support.
Someone to come
With support from ADAMH, Netcare Access’ community-based mobile response teams — staffed by a clinician and a peer supporter — provide on-site crisis intervention without requiring police or emergency medical responders. Dispatched through 988, these teams can respond immediately, follow up with individuals after the crisis and now offer transportation to the Franklin County Crisis Care Center when needed.
Somewhere to go
For those who need urgent, in-person stabilization, the Franklin County Crisis Care Center, located at 465 Harmon Ave., is now open.
The center, operated by Recovery Innovations, provides a safe, welcoming environment for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use or other behavioral health challenges. Open 24/7, it offers walk-in services, immediate stabilization and seamless connections to long-term support. The crisis center is designed to handle a wide range of mental health crises, including:
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Severe anxiety or depression
- Substance use emergencies, including overdoses
- Behavioral health crises requiring immediate intervention
What to expect at the facility:
- Compassionate Intake Process: Walk in anytime, day or night, to be evaluated by mental health professionals.
- Crisis Stabilization: For those requiring immediate intervention, the center provides a safe, supportive environment to stabilize and assess next steps.
- Medical Services: The facility includes onsite medical expertise to address physical health needs not requiring an emergency room visit, helping reduce the need for patient transfers
- Community Connections: After stabilization, the team links individuals to long-term services such as outpatient therapy, support groups or residential treatment programs.
- Peer support: Offers individuals in crisis the opportunity to connect with trained individuals who have lived experiences in similar challenges, fostering a shared sense of understanding that helps build hope, strength and confidence on the path to recovery.
A fully connected crisis care system
Franklin County’s enhanced crisis care continuum ensures that no matter where someone is in their moment of need, help is immediate and accessible. By strengthening every point in the crisis care continuum, ADAMH and its partners are building a safer, more responsive community where individuals can get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.