Prince William County Crisis Receiving Center Shows Early Success

The Prince William Crisis Receiving Center, or CRC, which opened for medical transfers on Oct. 28 for adults and Dec. 1 for youth, is already demonstrating strong early results in supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and reducing reliance on inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. 

As of Dec. 9, 2025, the CRC has served 167 adults through its 23-hour observation unit. Of those individuals, 91 transitioned to short-term residential crisis services that provide therapy, medication support and stabilization as alternatives to inpatient hospitalization. As a result, out-of-area placements dropped from 43 percent to just four percent. 

“We have seen evidence that the model has been very successful, particularly in lowering the out-of-placement for individuals under emergency custody orders and temporary detention orders,” said Lisa Madron, Prince William Community Services Executive Director.  

“One private hospital where we placed 16 individuals for psychiatric hospitalization in October called because they had not received any placements in November due to the CRC opening,” said Madron. 

Designed as a welcoming and therapeutic environment, the CRC connects individuals to the most appropriate level of care, while supporting recovery and community reintegration.  

Prince William County Executive Chris Shorter said the CRC’s early performance reflects the county’s long-term commitment to modernizing behavioral health crisis care.  

“In just a matter of weeks, the Crisis Receiving Center is proving that when we invest in people-centered, community-based solutions, we get better outcomes for residents and for our public safety and healthcare systems,” Shorter said. “This facility is helping people receive the care they need right here in their own community, and that is a major step forward for behavioral health services in Prince William County and the region.” 

Operated by Connections Health Solutions under contract with Prince William Community Services, the center utilizes a 23-hour observation model and includes an on-site Crisis Stabilization Unit for individuals requiring more intensive, short-term care. This co-location of crisis, outpatient and community-based services in one location offers capabilities that exceed those of many crisis receiving centers across the state, including medical assessment, withdrawal management and the ability to safely serve individuals under Temporary Detention Orders. 

While the CRC is not yet open for walk-in services, referrals are currently accepted from regional Community Services Boards, hospitals and law enforcement agencies, serving individuals from Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Manassas and Manassas Park. 

For more information about Prince William Community Services, visit pwcva.gov/cs.