The UNM Health System Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) was planned, designed, and built to provide a more complete mental health continuum of care in New Mexico. This long-awaited center is the first of its kind in the state and combines three much-needed facilities: a Crisis Triage Center, Psychiatric Emergency Services, and Peer Living Space. Located next to the existing University Psychiatric Center at UNM North Campus, the goal of the BHCC is to enable New Mexicans who struggle with behavioral or mental health issues to access appropriate levels of care. Its “no-wrong-door” approach will make sure that patients receive access to the services that they need.

The BHCC supports adults who have severe mental health and/or co-occurring diagnoses who do not meet the criteria for psychiatric acute inpatient placement but require treatment to maintain functional ability and to prevent relapse or hospitalization. The facility provides crisis stabilization services for a maximum of 16 individuals. Additional services include triage and assessment, group therapy and counseling, and robust case management to assist in navigating social needs. The design also includes a dedicated drop-off area for first responders, special daylighting, circulation, safety, and ligature resistance elements.

The collaborative project is funded through the Bernalillo County Department of Behavioral Health Services gross receipts tax and matching funds from the University of New Mexico Hospital.