Prince George’s County Announces First Crisis Stabilization Center In Maryland
LARGO, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks was joined by local and State leaders, the County Health Department, Totally Linking Care In Maryland (TLC-MD), and RI International to commemorate the ribbon cutting of the first behavioral crisis stabilization center in the State of Maryland, the Dyer Care Center. This renovated facility will offer expanded access to services for mental, behavioral, and substance abuse crises.
“The Dyer Care Center represents a crucial step forward in our efforts to improve access to emergency behavioral health services for our residents,” said County Executive Alsobrooks. “Since the beginning of my administration, we have worked to improve healthcare for all Prince Georgians, and I am so grateful that we are adding this important crisis stabilization center to our community. This center will provide a safe, compassionate place for Prince Georgians during their greatest time of need.”
The Dyer Care Center is a 16-chair facility that will operate 24/7, providing short-term (up to 23 hours) emergency crisis services for individuals ages 18 and older. Following the Crisis Now model, the center will provide support for individuals experiencing severe anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or psychosis. With a rapid welcome process led by peer support specialists collaborating with appropriate mental health clinicians, the center ensures a compassionate and efficient intake. Reflecting the center’s commitment to respect and dignity, individuals are referred to as guests, not patients. The center also offers a hotline (988) and a Mobile Response Team (MRT).
The Dyer Care Center is expected to serve up to 3,500 people annually, with a "no wrong door" approach, accepting everyone including those who are uninsured or under-insured. Services will include immediate access to short-term stabilization, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, specialized care, peer engagement and support, discharge planning, and medical treatment. As part of a broader crisis continuum, the center will function as an emergency room specifically for mental health crises, providing personalized crisis care and diverting individuals away from hospital emergency departments and incarceration. In certain cases, law enforcement can transport individuals directly to the center instead of a detention facility.
“The Dyer Care Center is our community’s lifeline during critical times of need,” says Dr. Matthew Levy, Health Officer for the Prince George’s County Health Department. “Our collaboration with local partners ensures seamless transitions for ongoing care. Let’s prioritize wellness and prevention together!”
The Dyer Care Center was made possible through funding provided by the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) Regional Catalyst Grant through TLC-MD. The County-owned facility will be operated by RI International, the largest Second Chance employer in the nation, and is set to open to the public in the coming weeks. For more information about the Dyer Care Center, available behavioral health services, and announcements on its official opening, visit www.dyercarecenter.org.
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