New Cleveland Behavioral Health Crisis Center Opens in 2026

Cleveland Heights is getting a new behavioral health clinic in 2026, a development that could significantly expand access to mental health and addiction treatment for those in need. 

The city’s leading psychiatric emergency department closed at the end of 2025. The closure left a notable gap in crisis mental health and substance use care that the new facility is expected to fill.

A Sudden Void

In October of 2025, MetroHealth announced that it would be closing its Psychiatric Emergency Department in Cleveland Heights, leaving only its Behavioral Health Hospital next door open. 

MetroHealth urged those in the area experiencing mental health or substance related crises to seek stabilization services at local emergency rooms (ERs).

However, wait times at the other ERs in the area were found to be long, especially for patients with mental health-related emergencies.

Expanding Behavioral and Mental Health Care in Cleveland

The shuttered psychiatric emergency department was originally opened to replace a similar unit at the St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center. 

Fortunately, a similar emergency department is set to return to the St. Vincent Center in the heart of Cleveland in September, thanks to a partnership between The Centers and Cuyahoga County.

This is welcome news, as people in the affected community have expressed a strong need for improved access to mental healthcare and addiction crisis intervention. 

One Cleveland local explained the need with reference to her brother’s journey with schizophrenia. 

According to her, the community would benefit most from improved access to emergency crisis stabilization—services her brother relies on during severe symptom “flare-ups.”

The new psychiatric emergency department is expected to serve around 12,000 adults annually.

A Crisis Treatment Model Designed for Access

The treatment model is designed for maximum access. Eric Morse, The Centers’ CEO, explained that the new facility would be able to provide emergency services as soon as they were needed. 

The planned $28 million facility will have 40 beds in its first-floor crisis recovery center and will be staffed at all hours of the day. Patients may walk in, be dropped off by family members or be brought for care by law enforcement and first responders.

According to Morse, a person coming with a crisis will be able to access stabilization services and the evaluation process within five minutes of entering the building. 

These types of services can give people a shot at a new life. In cases involving substance-related emergencies, staff can stabilize patients, treat acute symptoms, conduct evaluations and refer individuals to appropriate addiction rehab or dual diagnosis treatment center.

Lessons From Lorain County’s Crisis Recovery Model

The dream for this new facility goes beyond providing a new place to get outpatient mental health or addiction treatment. Morse’s ambition is to provide these services at a drastically lower cost than what one would incur at a traditional ER. 

He and his team also want to see a reduction in the need for psychiatric hospitalizations, arrests and jail bookings, which disproportionately impact those caught with illicit substances during a crisis.

And Morse and his team are drawing inspiration and insight from nearby Lorain County.

Michael Doud is director of Lorain County’s Board of Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery, which recently opened its Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center. He noted that around 200 people were served by the Lorain County team in the first 30 days. 

This number was higher than expected, Doud concedes. This points to great need in the area but also attesting to the great success in spreading the word that help is available through police, faith leaders and other community members.

Cuyahoga County is following this pattern and the fact that a new crisis center is opening in Cuyahoga County is bringing a sense of relief, especially since funding for mental health services has decreased for 2026. 

These budget cuts have impeded the efforts of public boards and nonprofits alike, limiting staffing and reducing access points for people seeking mental health and addiction support. This means that they’re spreading the message that help is available through alternative channels.

Find Behavioral Health Care Near You

If you or someone you love needs care for an addiction or mental health concern, you have options. Explore behavioral health programs by treatment type, levels of care, payment options and more. Or call the confidential helpline for immediate support. 800-908-4823 (Sponsored)