Crisis Center Opens in Twin Falls

Twin Falls, ID –South Central Public Health District is pleased to announce the opening of the Crisis Center of South Central Idaho (CCSCI).

The crisis center is a voluntary outpatient facility operated twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week and three hundred sixty-five (365) days a year and provides evaluation, intervention, and referral for individuals experiencing a crisis due to a behavioral health condition. By Idaho code, the facility may not provide services to a client for more than twenty-three (23) hours and fifty-nine (59) minutes in a single episode of care.

The crisis center is located at 570 Shoup Avenue in Twin Falls. The crisis center will serve the eight county region of south central Idaho. The crisis center’s professional behavioral health staff will provide medical assessments, de-escalate crisis, stabilize clients, develop treatment plans, and put clients on the path to recovery.

According to Rene LeBlanc, District Health Director for SCPHD, “the legislature recognized that law enforcement and hospital emergency rooms have become the default providers of crisis intervention to Idaho citizens with behavioral health disorders.  As a result, vital resources are being expended by agencies that are not equipped to provide an appropriate level of behavioral health services.”

The crisis center is accepting clients. No appointment is necessary. No one will be refused service because of race, color, religion or inability to pay.  Individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis may walk in or call 866-737-1128.  Law enforcement and other partners may also drop off individuals who wish to voluntarily access services.

Over the next few weeks, SCPHD will be meeting with local law enforcement, medical providers, and other partners to develop referral and drop-off protocols.

Jeff Pierson, spokesperson for the health district said, “Our goal is to meet with key partners by the middle of December. We still have a lot of work to do, but our partners understand the purpose and value of this project – it’s not a hard sell.”

This will be the third crisis center to open in Idaho. A fourth center will open soon in the Boise area. Funding for the centers comes from House Bill 579. Championed by local legislators, HB 579 was signed into law by Governor Butch Otter on March 28, 2016.

In September, the SCPHD signed a contract with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to open and operate the crisis center.

SCPHD is responsible for the operation of the center. SCPHD has sub-contracted with ProActive Advantage LLC to provide staffing and facilities.  Frank Knight, owner of ProActive Advantage said, “Standing up this facility has been challenging, but my staff wanted to be open for the holidays.  They worked hard and made it happen. I am very appreciative.”

Source: South Central Public Health District