In collaboration with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County (Metro) and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), the Mental Health Cooperative (MHC) will open its state-of-the-art Crisis Treatment Center on Feb. 2. A grand opening ceremony marked the occasion on Tuesday.

The new facility, located at 250 Cumberland Bend, will offer 24/7 immediate, comprehensive and compassionate treatment for adults and children experiencing mental health crises, many who turn to law enforcement for help for lack of another option. Until now, the main option available to most officers has been to take the resident in crisis to jail.

“People in crisis deserve quality care that is safe, timely and comprehensive,” said Mayor David Briley.

“The new Crisis Treatment Center dramatically improves our system of care, providing us with a way to help those who need immediate mental health support and allowing our officers to remain on patrol.”

Officers who bring residents in for assessment and treatment will be able to return to their patrol within 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the adult or child in crisis will receive immediate attention.

“This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when community stakeholders identify and then address a critical need,” said Pam Womack, CEO of MHC.

“The creation of this facility is a direct result of innovative public-private partnerships and cross-departmental collaborations between MHC, TDMHSAS, and Metro. With their support, we were able to bring best practices in the country to our community.”

“The state of Tennessee is committed to ensuring that people experiencing mental health challenges receive the right treatment at the right time in the right place,” said Marie Williams, LCSW, TDMHSAS Commissioner.

“This enhancement to crisis services in Nashville and similar state grants in six other communities are creating valuable alternatives to incarceration or hospitalization for people in their time of need.”