A groundbreaking ceremony took place in Williamsburg as Governor Glenn Youngkin, along with state and local officials, marked the start of construction for Colonial Behavioral Health’s new Crisis Services Center. The $12.5 million facility is designed to offer urgent crisis care for up to 24 individuals at a time. It will feature a Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center, a Crisis Receiving Center, and a Crisis Stabilization Center, aiming to provide immediate access to services for residents in the Greater Williamsburg area.
Governor Youngkin emphasized the progress made through his administration’s behavioral health transformation plan, Right Help, Right Now. “Today’s groundbreaking is a clear sign of the progress we are making through Right Help, Right Now. Across Virginia, we have more than quadrupled calls to 988, expanded to over 100 mobile crisis teams operating 24/7, and continue to grow crisis centers statewide,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This progress showcases the forward momentum for Colonial Behavioral Health, whose decades of service have made this community stronger. With this new center, Colonial is expanding that legacy and ensuring that when a Virginian is in crisis, help and hope are never out of reach.”
Colonial Behavioral Health served over 3,500 people last year in Williamsburg and neighboring areas including James City County, York County, and Poquoson. This demand has highlighted the need for more crisis services in the region.
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly noted the importance of expanding available care options: “Expanding the continuum of care allows people the opportunity to access the right level of help,” said Secretary Kelly. “This new facility builds on that momentum, ensuring that families here have quicker pathways to support and more options for recovery, dignity, and hope.”
Nelson Smith from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services commented on how this center fits into broader changes within Virginia’s mental health system: “Colonial’s new crisis center represents the future of behavioral health care in Virginia — timely access, community-based services, and coordinated support,” said Smith. “By expanding crisis receiving and stabilization services here, we are ensuring that people in this region can find the right care, close to home, when they need it most.”
Hallie Pence from Right Help, Right Now also spoke about how such centers impact communities: “This groundbreaking shows Right Help, Right Now in action,” said Pence. “Every new crisis center means faster care, fewer people in emergency rooms, and more Virginians finding hope close to home. Colonial’s leadership proves what is possible when local and state partners work hand in hand.”
The upcoming center will be unique as it will be the only facility offering these specific services between Glen Allen and Hampton.
David Coe from Colonial Health CSB described the evolution leading up to this milestone: “Our community began this journey almost 20 years ago. We began with two days of locally developed mental health training for law enforcement personnel. Since that time, we’ve been able to undertake a robust crisis intervention team (CIT) training program, develop a CIT Assessment Center, expand its hours, and develop mobile crisis services,” said Coe. “Today we celebrate the completion of our local adult crisis continuum. It’s been a long journey but worth every investment made at every level—it is a great day for this area.”
Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle addressed how this project benefits families: “This is an exciting day for our community,” said McDougle.“The Crisis Center will give families and neighbors the care and support they need close to home.I’m grateful to see this project become a reality and proud of the commitment to making sure Virginians get the right help,right when they need it.”
Delegate Amanda Batten reflected on years of effort behind bringing this facility forward: “After years of hard work and diligent collaboration between state and local agencies,I am excited we are finally breaking ground on this much-needed facility,” said Batten.“The services and support offered will provide tangible benefits to our community for many years to come.I am thrilled to have been part of the process,and I look forward to continuing to participate as we make positive progress.”
Right Help, Right Now was launched by Governor Youngkin as part of a three-year initiative totaling $1.4 billion aimed at transforming behavioral health services across Virginia since December 2022.This initiative has expanded resources like 988 call services,increased integration between emergency communications systems,and added new facilities throughout Virginia.
