New crisis center in Travis County officially opens

A new crisis center focusing on providing short term emergency mental health care for adults is officially opening. The center has been 10 years in the making and it's the first of its kind in Travis County.

FOX 7 got a look at the facility in July when Travis County Judge Guy Herman led a ribbon cutting ceremony for the center that bears his name.

NEW MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER IN AUSTIN

Herman long fought for a place for those who are in an immediate state of crisis. The goal is to quickly resolve the individual's current emergency so the patient can return home or be transferred to another program.

Patients can only be brought in by referrals from law enforcement or other integral care partners. 

The center is about 12,000 square feet and has 16 individual beds.

The atmosphere is much different than an ER. The building has a therapeutic feel with natural lighting, a reading area, outdoor seating and an open nurses station.

The Guy Herman Mental Health Crisis Care Center is located in the 66000 block of East Ben white just east of Montopolis. 

If you need immediate crisis support you can call 512-472-HELP (4357).