Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has faced significant challenges in maintaining a robust mental health care system since the closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center in May 2025. Crozer had served as the county’s primary mental health crisis center, offering 24/7 services for psychiatric emergencies, substance abuse support, and trauma care. Following the closure, the county has been working to adapt to a new reality in which emergency departments are overburdened, and specialized behavioral health resources are in short supply. This article explores the evolving response to these challenges, including the establishment of a new crisis center by Belmont Behavioral Health LLC and the broader implications for mental health care delivery in the region.
The absence of Crozer’s services has created a strain on existing healthcare infrastructure, with emergency departments and law enforcement agencies struggling to manage a surge in psychiatric and behavioral health cases. In response, the county has prioritized the development of alternative care models, including mobile crisis units, crisis stabilization services, and community education initiatives. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for trauma-informed care, emotional regulation strategies, and evidence-based practices in mental health treatment. The following sections examine the current state of mental health crisis response in Delaware County, the role of emergency services, and the emerging solutions being implemented to support individuals in crisis.
The Closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Its Impact
Crozer-Chester Medical Center had long been a critical resource for Delaware County residents, particularly for those experiencing acute mental health crises. The facility housed an inpatient behavioral health unit, a 24/7 crisis center, and a trauma center that served as a primary destination for emergency care. According to Deborah Cunningham, vice president of behavioral health at Main Line Health, the closure of Crozer led to a fourfold increase in psychiatric patients at Main Line Health, with approximately 140 such patients seen monthly in the aftermath. This surge placed immense pressure on emergency departments, which were not necessarily equipped to handle the full range of behavioral health needs.
The loss of Crozer’s crisis center created a significant gap in the county’s mental health infrastructure. The facility had provided specialized services for individuals in acute psychiatric distress, including those experiencing severe anxiety, suicidal ideation, or substance use disorders. Without this resource, many residents have had to rely on emergency departments that lack the necessary training and capacity to manage complex behavioral health cases. This has resulted in longer wait times, delayed care, and increased strain on both healthcare providers and law enforcement personnel, who are now frequently called upon to respond to mental health emergencies.
Immediate Response and Short-Term Solutions
In the immediate aftermath of Crozer’s closure, Main Line Health and other healthcare providers implemented short-term measures to address the growing demand for mental health services. The hospital expanded its emergency department by adding eight beds dedicated to behavioral and mental health care and hired some of Crozer’s former crisis workers to assist with the transition. However, as Cunningham noted, these measures are only temporary and do not address the underlying need for a dedicated crisis center.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers have also adapted to the new landscape by enhancing their capabilities. VMSC Emergency Medical Services, which now operates in Chester County, has equipped its ambulances with the ability to perform blood transfusions for critically injured patients, such as those suffering from gunshot wounds. This capability has become essential in improving survival rates for trauma patients, as the nearest high-level trauma center is now further away. In addition, VMSC has expanded its community education programs to teach residents how to respond to emergencies, including how to control bleeding and provide basic first aid.
Despite these efforts, the absence of a 24/7 crisis center has left a void in the system. Emergency departments have reported an increase in patients with psychiatric emergencies, many of whom require specialized care that is not available in the short term. This has led to delays in care and, in some cases, the need to transport patients to facilities outside the county, further complicating the response to mental health crises.
The Role of Emergency Departments in Mental Health Care
Emergency departments have traditionally been equipped to handle medical emergencies but may lack the training and resources to manage psychiatric and behavioral health cases effectively. The closure of Crozer’s crisis center has placed additional pressure on these departments, which are now required to accommodate a growing number of patients experiencing acute mental health issues. According to reports, Riddle Hospital and other local facilities have seen a significant increase in psychiatric patients, many of whom require extended stays or follow-up care that is not available in the emergency setting.
This situation highlights the need for emergency departments to adopt trauma-informed care practices and integrate mental health services into their operations. Trauma-informed care involves recognizing the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being and responding with a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. This includes training staff to identify signs of distress, provide emotional support, and connect patients with appropriate resources for ongoing care.
In addition to training, emergency departments must also address the logistical challenges of managing mental health cases. This includes ensuring that patients have access to crisis stabilization services, psychiatric evaluations, and follow-up care. Without these supports, individuals may experience repeated crises and face barriers to long-term recovery.
Emerging Solutions and Long-Term Planning
To address the gaps left by Crozer’s closure, Delaware County has been working to develop a comprehensive mental health crisis response system. One of the key initiatives involves the establishment of a new freestanding crisis center by Belmont Behavioral Health LLC. This center will include a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year crisis response unit, a 23-hour observation service, a crisis stabilization unit, and a mobile crisis team. The center will not provide inpatient care but will offer a range of services to support individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
Belmont Behavioral Health was selected from six providers after a competitive request for proposals process. The organization has committed to providing high-quality care and has emphasized the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders. According to Jacqueline Basile, CEO of Belmont Behavioral Health, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that residents have access to the mental health services they need, particularly in the wake of Crozer’s closure.
The new crisis center will play a critical role in supporting individuals with urgent mental health needs. The 24-hour crisis response center will provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies, including those with severe anxiety, suicidal ideation, or substance use disorders. The crisis stabilization unit will offer a safe and supportive environment for patients who require short-term care before being discharged or referred to a higher level of treatment. The mobile crisis team will provide on-the-ground support to individuals in crisis, helping to reduce the burden on law enforcement and emergency departments.
The Importance of Mobile Crisis Services
Mobile crisis services have become an essential component of mental health care in Delaware County. These services allow trained professionals to respond directly to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in their homes, workplaces, or public spaces. This approach helps to reduce the need for emergency department visits and provides a more personalized, compassionate response to individuals in distress.
Mobile crisis teams are typically composed of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, social workers, and peer support specialists. These teams are trained to assess a patient’s needs, provide immediate support, and connect them with appropriate resources for ongoing care. In many cases, this can help prevent hospitalization and reduce the risk of future crises.
The implementation of mobile crisis services in Delaware County reflects a broader trend in mental health care, where the focus is shifting from hospital-based treatment to community-based interventions. This approach is supported by evidence-based practices that emphasize the importance of early intervention, crisis prevention, and ongoing support for individuals with mental health conditions.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Services
In addition to establishing a new crisis center and mobile crisis services, Delaware County is also working to expand access to mental health services more broadly. This includes efforts to increase the availability of outpatient care, medication management, and talk therapy for individuals with ongoing mental health needs. Main Line Health and other providers are actively working on expanding these services to ensure that residents have access to comprehensive care.
Expanding access to mental health services is particularly important for individuals with chronic conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions often require long-term treatment and support, which can be difficult to access in a crisis-driven system. By expanding outpatient services, the county can help ensure that individuals receive the care they need to manage their symptoms and prevent future crises.
Another important aspect of expanding access to mental health services is the integration of behavioral health care into primary care settings. This approach, known as collaborative care, involves embedding mental health professionals within primary care teams to provide integrated, team-based care. This model has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with mental health conditions and increase access to care in underserved communities.
Community Education and Public Awareness
In addition to expanding services, Delaware County is also focusing on community education and public awareness initiatives to support mental health care. These initiatives include training programs for residents on how to respond to emergencies, as well as public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Community education programs are particularly important in helping individuals recognize the signs of a mental health crisis and know how to respond appropriately. These programs can empower residents to take action in the event of an emergency and reduce the burden on emergency services. In addition, they can help promote a culture of support and understanding around mental health issues, which is essential for long-term change.
Public awareness campaigns are also playing a key role in improving access to mental health care. These campaigns aim to educate the public about the importance of mental health, the availability of services, and the steps individuals can take to seek help. By increasing awareness and reducing stigma, these efforts can help ensure that more individuals feel comfortable reaching out for support when needed.
Conclusion
The closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center has created significant challenges for mental health care in Delaware County. However, through the efforts of local providers, lawmakers, and community organizations, the county is working to develop a comprehensive response to these challenges. The establishment of a new crisis center by Belmont Behavioral Health, the expansion of mobile crisis services, and the development of community education and public awareness initiatives are all important steps in addressing the gaps left by Crozer’s closure.
Moving forward, it will be essential to continue evaluating the effectiveness of these initiatives and making adjustments as needed. The goal is to create a mental health care system that is accessible, comprehensive, and responsive to the needs of individuals in crisis. By prioritizing trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and community-based interventions, Delaware County can help ensure that residents have access to the mental health services they need to thrive.