PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA – After years of planning, debate, and community advocacy, Prince William County officially cut the ribbon this week on a new Crisis Receiving Center (CRC), a facility designed to give people in mental health crisis immediate, compassionate help — and a real shot at recovery.
More than 200 people, including state officials, behavioral health advocates, and Governor Glenn Youngkin, gathered on October 9 to mark the completion of the CRC complex. The event celebrated a major milestone not just for Prince William, but for Virginia’s broader mental health system, which has been under growing pressure to improve access and outcomes.
Once final licensing is secured — likely by the end of the month — the adult unit will open, with the youth unit following shortly thereafter.
A 24/7 Lifeline in the Community
The new CRC, located in the Occoquan District, will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering 64 chairs and beds for men, women, children, and teens. At full capacity, it’s expected to serve 15,000 to 18,000 people a year.
“This facility is impressive, but its purpose is even greater,” said Lisa Madron, the county’s Chief Transformation Officer. “It represents a new dawn for behavioral health in Prince William County and our region.”
Local leaders were quick to emphasize that this is not just another ribbon-cutting — it’s a direct response to an overwhelming need.
Board of Supervisors Chair Deshundra Jefferson described the CRC as “a new dawn which symbolizes renewal, hope and collaboration.”
‘No One Will Face a Mental Health Crisis Alone’
The mood throughout the event was deeply personal and emotional, particularly for those who’ve spent years pushing for better behavioral health care.
Vice Chair Andrea Bailey summed it up simply:
“This center represents a promise — that in Prince William County, no one will face a mental health crisis alone. It stands as a place of hope, safety and dignity.”
Governor Youngkin called the facility a national model and praised the collaboration between the county, the state, and private operators.
“This facility is the national standard,” Youngkin said. “Virginia is leading and demonstrating that we can transform behavioral health… This will represent not just the Commonwealth’s accomplishment, but a Commonwealth’s heart.”
Behind the Scenes: Years of Advocacy and Funding Battles
Supervisor Kenny Boddye, who represents the Occoquan District where the CRC is located, made sure to credit Bailey’s leadership and persistence — as well as the bipartisan efforts at the state and federal level that helped push funding through.
“This facility represents years of collaboration… Lives will be saved here. Families will be made whole again,” Boddye said.
Commissioner Nelson Smith of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services underscored just how different mental health care is from general medical care.
“Mental health care is health care… but it’s very difficult,” Smith said. “It’s not something you can put a Band-Aid on… Time is what heals. And love.”
Who’s Running It and What to Expect
The CRC will be operated by Connections Health Solutions, which brings a nationally recognized care model. CEO Colin LeClair said their team — made up of psychiatrists, nurses, peer support specialists, and behavioral health techs — is trained to respond quickly, safely, and in the least restrictive way possible.
Their goal is simple: keep people out of emergency rooms or jail cells and get them the help they need.
Community Services and Connections hosted a “Community Day” after the ceremony, giving nearly 500 residents a look inside the facility and a chance to meet the staff. The day capped off a project that many believe is long overdue.