Munson Healthcare has announced the opening of the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center (GTMHCAC) to patients.

The facility, situated on the Munson Medical Center campus, is accessible to all age groups.

Operated by Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA), the centre has initiated its first phase, providing behavioural health assessments, crisis interventions, and various support services.

The crisis phone screening can be reached at 1-833-295-0616.

This phase also includes mobile crisis services and referrals to community and outpatient therapy.

The GTMHCAC's service expansion is structured into a four-phase plan, with the full suite of services expected to be available by fall 2025.

Munson Healthcare (MHC) and Northern Lakes CMHA are developing a shared staffing model to support the centre’s growth.

Phase two, anticipated to begin on 1 July 2025, will introduce round-the-clock operations, and add psychiatric urgent care operated by Munson Healthcare, alongside a ‘living room’ model by Northern Lakes CMHA.

This model aims to provide an intermediate level of care to manage psychiatric emergencies.

The third phase will see the addition of nine adult crisis residential beds by NLCMHA in summer 2025.

Munson Healthcare is set to contribute six paediatric crisis residential beds in the final phase, with the timing subject to the licensing process.

MHC Behavioral Health executive director Terri Lacroix-Kelty said: “As we begin providing services, we also remain actively engaged in recruiting staff and working with the state on licensing of our adult and pediatric crisis residential units.”

The establishment of the GTMHCAC is a collaborative effort involving community mental health partners, non-profits, and a community advisory group.

Funding has been secured through a $5m allocation from the American Rescue Act by Grand Traverse County and an additional $5m grant from the Michigan Hospital Association, dedicated to paediatric services.