Mental Health Update
WBNG: MHAST to open crisis stabilization center in Binghamton this September
At MHANYS we have long embraced the concept of crisis stabilization centers. The vision of having ‘urgent care centers’ for people with mental health and addiction issues makes complete sense and is part of the continuum of care for those in crisis.
We are very excited that there is a Center opening in Binghamton next month under the auspices of our MHA of the Southern Tier run through their peer program. Congratulations to Kaitlyn Andrews and her team at MHAST.
We look forward to seeing an influx of centers throughout the State in the coming year.
MHAST to open crisis stabilization center
in Binghamton this September
By Gabby Womack
Published: Aug. 11, 2026 at 6:38 AM EDT
Updated: 5 hours ago
BINGHAMTON, N.Y., (WBNG) – A former CVS building on West State Street in Binghamton Plaza is being converted into a 24-hour crisis stabilization center for people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier (MHAST) said.
The center is expected to open sometime in September, pending a final state walkthrough with the Office of Mental Health and Oasis and subsequent operating certification.
Kaitlyn Andrews, executive director of MHAST, said the center is designed to fill a gap between calling 911 and going to an emergency department.
“If you are in a mental health crisis, you have two options. You call 911 and or you go to the emergency department, and that’s historically been it. So, the state’s initiative has really created another avenue for people to get support, while also relieving the burden and the strain on law enforcement and emergency departments,” Andrews said.
Andrews said the center will serve as a step down from emergency departments, with the goal of intervening before a crisis escalates.
“It’s sort of a step down from the emergency departments. The goal really is to make sure that we can support our community in a way that has never been done before,” she said.
The center is a completely voluntary facility and will serve people of all ages. Individuals can walk in on their own or be brought by a loved one, a school, a provider or law enforcement. MHAST said the center will serve an eight-county region — Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins county. Andrews said MHAST has worked closely with all eight county mental health commissioners to coordinate workflows, particularly for more rural areas.
Andrews said a peer staff member with lived experience will meet people at the door, greet them and orient them to the space.
“The biggest thing that we’re excited about is no waiting. People should be able to come in and not sit in a waiting room and wait for hours and sort of be brought in and supported by staff right away, or maybe that means they just need some time to take a breath, maybe take a shower or take a rest before they engage in services,” she said.
Andrews said other crisis stabilization centers have seen success with allowing people to naturally de-escalate before engaging in services. The facility will include sensory rooms for people with sensory needs.
Andrews said the center is intended to be a welcoming environment for all.
“I hope they can see what a safe space we’ve created for, whether it’s for their children, for themselves, or for their loved ones. This is going to be an inclusive space. Everybody is welcome,” she said.
Andrews also cited the strain the lack of crisis options has placed on other systems.
“We really see the strain that law enforcement experiences, the emergency departments experience, because our community really needs support, and there isn’t another avenue,” she said.
https://www.wbng.com/2026/08/
