Flint’s new behavioral health urgent care to expand vital mental health services

FLINT, Mich. — A new unit on Genesee Health System’s (GHS) main campus aims to expand mental health services for Genesee County residents.

The purpose of the new facility is to expand mental health services for Genesee County residents by offering crisis intervention, pre-admission screening, a Crisis Stabilization Unit and a Crisis Residential Unit.

GHS unveiled its new Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) facility on Tuesday, Feb.18.

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel visited the facility to tour the BHUC unit.

“Our goal is to ensure Michigan families can access services when they need them, where they need them and at the level of care they need,” Hertel said. “The funding included in Governor Whitmer’s budget will help us continue momentum as we expand availability of community-based services across the state.”

The $8.2 million expansion is funded through the Genesee Health System Community Mental Health Millage and a grant from the State of Michigan Crisis Stabilization Unit CSU pilot program, a statewide effort to expand mental health services.

The new Crisis Stabilization Unit will feature 16 beds for stays of up to 72 hours, while the Crisis Residential Unit will offer eight beds for stays of up to 14 days.

Staff will have the capacity to give basic medical care and treatment alongside these mental health services.

GHS moved into the facility at 1040 W. Bristol Road on May 20, 2024, with renovations for the 24/7 urgent care center expected to be completed by April 2025.

The facility is expected to provide overnight care for 190 people per month, with a total of 277 individuals receiving care when including same-day services.

GHS already operates one of Michigan’s 35 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, offering comprehensive behavioral services such as a 24/7 mobile crisis unit and treatment for substance use disorders.

Alongside the Crisis Stabilization Units in Kent and Wayne counties, this will be one of only three facilities in Michigan to offer CSU services.