Nestled in the heart of Danville, Virginia, the newly constructed Crisis Center stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services (DPCS) to supporting the mental health needs of the community. Opened in August 2023, this state-of-the-art facility provides a safe harbor for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Melanie Tosh, Director of Adult Clinical Services at DPCS, has been a driving force behind the center’s development. “Our goal is to create a safe, comfortable environment where people in a behavioral health crisis can receive the care they need,” Tosh explains. “By offering a range of services and focusing on person-centered care, we aim to empower individuals to recover and make their own choices about their well-being.”
The Crisis Center operates 24/7, staffed by a dedicated team of professionals. Clinicians, care coordinators, peer support specialists, nurses, law enforcement personnel, and administrative staff work together to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
One of the center’s most innovative features is the Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center (CITAC). This secure space provides a therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis who have encountered law enforcement. “CITAC offers clinical assessment, support from a care coordinator or peer support specialist, and a safe alternative to traditional custody procedures,” Tosh elaborates. “This collaboration with local law enforcement agencies has been incredibly successful, with CITAC accepting 81% of referred individuals in 2023 alone.”
Understanding the power of empathy and lived experience, Sarah Shoemaker, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist at DPCS, uses her own journey with addiction and recovery to connect with clients on a deeper level. “Having navigated the Emergency Custody Order (ECO) process personally, and with my mother, I am uniquely able to support, and be there for individuals during the difficult situations they face,” Shoemaker shares. “Seeing them light up when they realize someone finally understands them is rewarding beyond words. When I was struggling and searching for help, I wanted desperately for someone to understand me, so I know just how powerful that is.”[MT1]
The Crisis Center’s commitment to person-centered care is clear in every aspect of its design. From the welcoming, inviting reception area to the comfortable, safe client spaces, the facility prioritizes the well-being and dignity of those it serves. “We offer basic necessities like showers, changes of clothes, meals, and laundry facilities,” Tosh notes. “These options can make a big difference in promoting comfort and a sense of safety during a difficult time.”
In addition to the Crisis Center, DPCS offers Rapid Access Services for individuals seeking mental health support outside of a crisis situation. Rapid Access Clinicians provide comprehensive assessments on a first-come, first-served basis, connecting individuals with appropriate resources and services based on their individual needs. Rapid Access is open Monday—Thursday from 8:30am—3:00pm at DPCS’ main campus at 245 Hairston Street.
The impact of DPCS’s dedication to mental health is evident in the numbers. In 2019, Crisis Services assessed over 1,700 individuals, successfully diverting approximately 950 to less restrictive community resources instead of hospitalization. By 2023, the number of referrals for community-based support had grown to over 1,150, a testament to the program’s effectiveness in reducing unnecessary hospitalizations.
Especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, the work of organizations like DPCS serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible, comprehensive mental health services. “We want people to know that they are not alone,” Tosh emphasizes. “Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or simply need support, our doors are always open.”
The Danville Pittsylvania Community Services’ Crisis Center stands as a safe harbor in the storm of a mental health crisis. Through its innovative programs, dedicated staff, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care, DPCS is making a lasting impact on the well-being of the Danville and Pittsylvania County communities, one person at a time.
An individual can access DPCS Crisis Services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week on a walk-in basis at the Crisis Center at 366 Piney Forest Road, Danville, or by calling (434)793-4922 or Toll Free: 1-877-793-4922.