On July 1, 2021, Zepf Center Crisis Care opened its doors. Three years later, the agency’s crisis services have continued to expand and develop, ensuring accessible, person-centered, trauma-informed care is available for everyone in the surrounding communities.

Over the past three years, Crisis Care has become a crucial resource, offering 24/7 support to those experiencing emotional stress and mental health issues, providing a safe and compassionate environment for healing and recovery. 

To date, they have received over 15,000 calls, served over 5,000 individuals through the Emergency Services Department, and completed over 8,800 mobile response assessments for the community. Their efforts have also extended to youth and their families, assisting over 500 clients through MRSS and juvenile detention center (JDC) assessments.

Since opening the Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit in May 2022, 1,648 individuals have been admitted. Additionally, 983 individuals have been served by the Psychiatric Urgent Care (PUC) which opened its doors in October 2022, providing clients with same-day access to medication.

As Zepf Center celebrates these milestones, the significance of these services cannot simply be summed up with numbers and data—its true impact is reflected in the clients served, the hope restored, and the dedicated staff who provide these services around the clock.

"Crisis Care is vital to the well-being of our community,” said Crisis Medical Director Dr. Tyler Snyder. “It gives those experiencing a mental health emergency access to a safe, comfortable environment 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

At Zepf Center, Crisis Care is an all-encompassing behavioral health care provider. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, clients can rest assured that they will have access to qualified mental health professionals when and where they are needed most.

Those in need of Crisis Care services have several options when receiving treatment. Commonly, the first step is a phone call to Zepf Center’s Crisis Care Helpline (419.904.2273). A qualified mental health professional can assist over the phone and determine if an in-person screening is necessary.

Once Zepf Center’s team has connected with the person in crisis and assessed the situation, they will make care recommendations. Zepf Center is home to various levels of mental health care, all underscored by a commitment to dignity and respect for clients. The team of mental health professionals facilitates the least restrictive level of care possible for the client and creates an individualized safety plan to connect the client with necessary services.

Walk-in Psychiatric Urgent Care is also available for youth and adults. This service gives clients access to mental health services and professionals without an appointment. In addition to seeing a mental health professional, clients may be able to receive prescribed medications the same day and schedule follow-up services for continued medication management. Psychiatric Urgent Care services are covered for all counties in the Northwest Ohio Region, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

Zepf Center also houses a Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) team. MRSS fills a gap in the continuum of crisis care by serving youth up to age 21 and their families, often traveling to meet clients where they are. Clients can receive assistance within 60 minutes and may be eligible for up to 45 days of intensive, in-home support.

The accessibility of Zepf Center’s Crisis Care sets it apart from other behavioral health providers, ensuring high-quality treatment options are available whenever and wherever needed—no matter the time of day or night. Anyone experiencing a self-defined crisis, whether suicidal ideation, substance use issues, emotional distress, or housing difficulties can find support and assistance from Crisis Care staff.

“The staff at Crisis Care are the best of the best—they are non-judgmental, empathetic, and kind to the people we serve,” said Director of Crisis Services Courtney Burrow. “Even if you just need to call and talk as a first step, we are always available for you.”

In just three short years, Crisis Care has witnessed many successes and continues to provide innovative and trauma-informed care. As part of Zepf Center, Crisis Care clients can access the full continuum of services to prioritize and treat their mental, physical, and social needs. Dr. Snyder believes Crisis Care’s success lies in this unique, comprehensive approach.

“At Zepf Center, we prioritize whole-person care,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “This means that no matter what department a client is working with, they have the opportunity to benefit from all of our services to achieve the best possible health outcome.”

As Zepf Center looks ahead to the future of Crisis Care, major expansions and investments are already in progress. Currently, the agency is involved in an over $2 million capital improvement project which will see the addition of a Youth Psychiatric Urgent Care, a mobile crisis staffing room, crisis intake interview rooms, an urgent psychiatric care unit, and an adult crisis stabilization unit. These updates are scheduled to be completed in 2025 and will allow Crisis Care staff to meet the ever-growing need for immediate mental healthcare and support.

For more information about Crisis Care and available services, please visit zepfcenter.org/crisis-care-services/

If you would like to learn more about Zepf Center’s capital improvement project, visit zepfcenter.org/news/2023/12/05/integrated-care/ohio-awards-1m-to-upgrade-zepf-center/

For immediate help with emotional stress or mental health concerns, please call 419-904-CARE (2273).