Burrell opens Behavioral Crisis Center in Columbia, MO

After a turbulent few years navigating a global pandemic, it is safe to say no one is immune to crisis. Crisis does not discriminate and isn’t limited to your income or available resources. That’s why Columbia is now offering a go-to solution for crisis-level mental health and addiction recovery care, and it’s called a Behavioral Crisis Center.

Burrell’s Behavioral Crisis Center, or known as the Rapid Access Unit is a walk-in crisis access point for individuals in need of immediate psychiatric care, medication-assisted treatment for opioid use, psychiatric assessment, brief therapy, peer support services, up to 23-hour observation, referral to appropriate follow up treatment, and more.

Those of us experiencing a self-identified behavioral health crisis and are over the age of 18 are encouraged to walk in without referral to the BCC at 1805 E. Walnut, centrally located in Columbia next to Stephens Lake Park. The rapid access unit is located on the bottom floor, on the south side of Burrell’s Stephens Lake Clinic, and currently open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 365 days a year.

“Everyone who steps foot in the rapid access unit will have an individualized assessment and care plan developed,” says Marissa VanDover, Director of Burrell’s Behavioral Crisis Center. Our goal is to help break the crisis cycle by stabilizing someone, and if necessary, referring to the best therapy or treatment for their situation.”

This isn’t the first time Burrell has established a BCC. Two years ago, Burrell opened a behavioral crisis center in Springfield, Mo with the help of a $1 million contribution from Greene County, as well as support from the Missouri Foundation for Health and local medical systems.

By opening a behavioral crisis center, Burrell welcomes individuals who are going through mental health crises. They help them — and their loved ones — navigate an array of community resources. Most importantly, people receive immediate access to life-changing services and can begin their journey to recovery instead of having to wait days, weeks or even months to receive the care they deserve.

On a national scale, Burrell Behavioral Health is one of the largest community behavioral health providers in the country. They have worked with more than 40,000 clients in 18 counties in Missouri. Their integrated network offers a full continuum of care through 400 licensed providers and many services, including individual therapy and counseling.

They also specialize in addiction recovery and treatment, crisis intervention and developmental disability support, among other important services. In Missouri, they have helped facilitate key programs in local communities.

Burrell is the state designated agent to receive and support calls to 988 that originate from central Missouri. If someone is in crisis and picking up a phone is easier to start with than coming to their center, they have credentialed professionals ready to take your call. Simply dial 988 to receive immediate access to care.