Rural Crisis Center Network Launches Essential Support in Lewiston

A new support facility for individuals facing mental health crises has opened its doors in Lewiston, offering vital assistance 24 hours a day. The Rural Crisis Center Network is designed to provide immediate respite for those in need, with trained counselors available to help at no cost to the community.

The grand opening of the center took place on October 5, 2023, as Sara Bennett, owner of Riverside Counseling, welcomed visitors to the newly expanded premises. Bennett, a licensed clinical professional counselor, acquired Riverside Counseling in 2015. The center has since outgrown its original location, prompting the purchase of an adjacent house to accommodate the new crisis center.

Facility Features and Purpose

The Rural Crisis Center Network features a thoughtfully designed space to support individuals during times of distress. The upstairs area houses offices for counselors and a reception area, while the downstairs includes two rooms equipped with cots, snack items, and change of clothes, along with a laundry machine and shower facilities.

This facility is not a homeless shelter; rather, it serves as a temporary haven for individuals experiencing crises such as suicidal thoughts, manic episodes, or psychotic breaks. It also provides professional support for sexual assault victims, connecting them with essential services like those offered by the YWCA, and guiding them through legal processes.

Bennett emphasized the importance of the center as a critical resource to prevent individuals from being placed in psychiatric hospitals or, worse, jails. “Sometimes we can get in the habit of putting people in the psychiatric hospital,” she stated, highlighting the need for this type of support in the community.

Accessing the Center’s Services

Individuals can access the center without any prerequisites. There are no conditions for entry, and clients are not required to disclose their Medicaid status, allowing for a more inclusive environment. Those seeking help can contact the center directly at (208) 748-9846 or reach out via the national crisis hotline at 988.

Funding for the center comes from a combination of grants and Medicaid resources, ensuring that services remain free for all who need them. Bennett expressed her desire to connect individuals with necessary services, stating, “I just want to connect people with whatever services they need.”

In addition to the Lewiston location, the Rural Crisis Center Network operates in other areas, including Moscow and Orofino, managed by different entities. More information on crisis centers in Idaho can be found at magellanofidaho.com/w/adult-crisis-centers.

The establishment of the Rural Crisis Center Network marks a significant step in addressing mental health needs within the community, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals to begin their journey towards recovery.