Benton County breaks ground for new crisis center

The Benton County Commissioners were joined by nearly 60 dignitaries and invited guests at an event to break ground on the new Benton County Crisis Center at the site of the new facility at 240 NW 4th Street, in Corvallis. The Benton County Crisis Center is a voluntary walk-in treatment-centered facility that provides stabilization for individuals experiencing mental health crisis, along with referrals and support for ongoing behavioral health services.

The project is financed with $7.7 million in state and federal funding, which includes a two-story, 8,000 square foot building on Benton County-owned property. Benton County Health Department secured $5.45 million for the project from the Oregon state general fund through House Bill 5202. Oregon Representative Dan Rayfield helped secure $1.25 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds for the project, and U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkely, helped secure $1 million from a federal appropriations bill. Gerding Builders, a Corvallis-based company is the Design-build contractor for the project. Gerding Builders has worked closely with Mahlum Architects to ensure that the design meets Benton County’s goals, budget and design to meet the unique needs of Benton County residents.

“The Crisis Center will provide immediate assistance and support to individuals experiencing mental health crises,” shared Benton County Behavioral Health Director Damien Sands.

“It will be a safe and non-judgmental environment where people can seek help when they need it most. This prompt intervention can prevent situations from escalating and potentially save lives. The facility will be staffed to handle various mental health crises, including suicidal ideation, severe anxiety or depression, substance abuse emergencies, and psychosis. We will have trained professionals who can assess the situation, provide appropriate interventions, and stabilize individuals in crisis.”

The crisis center will be staffed by the Benton County Health Department’s behavioral health crisis team and is an expansion of existing mental health crisis services offered by the County. Services will include 24/7 walk-in and mobile crisis services, 5-7 stabilization recliners, and 5-7 respite beds. With construction starting in June of 2023, the facility is expected to open in the summer of 2024. 

The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), a multi-year effort to improve outcomes in our communities. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of JSIP’s vision for enhanced County programs and facilities. The crisis center may serve as a resource on calls to law enforcement that involve a mental health concern. 

Crisis services are currently available from Benton County Health Department’s mental health crisis team by calling the Benton County Crisis Line at 1-888-232-7192. Benton County Health Department also offers walk-in mental health crisis counseling services for all ages. No appointment is needed. Simply stop at the front desk and ask “to see the Counselor of the Day”. The services are currently located at 557 NW Monroe Avenue, Corvallis, OR, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

View a video and/or photos taken at the groundbreaking ceremony. Learn more about the crisis center at https://bit.ly/BentonCoGov-CrisisCenter