Palm Beach County is taking a major step toward transforming mental health care with the planned construction of a dedicated crisis stabilization center.

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has approved the $16.7 million purchase of a nearly 10-acre site at 100 N. Benoist Farms Road, located just north of Southern Boulevard and west of Florida’s Turnpike.

The site will house a $145 million mental health facility designed to provide immediate care to individuals in crisis—whether they walk in, are brought in by law enforcement, or are referred by other sources. The project, which will be largely funded from the district’s $200 million reserves, marks a significant investment in expanding mental health services throughout the region.

A Centralized Solution to Mental Health Crises

The future 60,000-square-foot center will serve as a hub for emergency mental health treatment, offering 23-hour observation, addiction support, and short-term stabilization. It’s based on the “Crisis Now” model, which focuses on providing three key elements: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.

The facility will include around two dozen beds—half designated for youth—and seating for nearly 50 patients to undergo evaluations. It’s designed to supplement, not replace, psychiatric units in hospitals.

“This is the biggest unmet need in Palm Beach County,” said Darcy Davis, CEO of the Health Care District. “If we exist to fill health care gaps, we can’t ignore mental health.”

A pilot program, COAST, already shows promise—only 2% of patients brought in by police required involuntary hospitalization.

Site Selection and Costs

After evaluating other properties, the district chose the Benoist Farms site over a smaller parcel in Riviera Beach. While the purchase price is 32% above its appraised value, board members justified the cost by citing the lack of suitable alternatives and escalating construction expenses. The land’s seller initially declined a $15.7 million offer before the district agreed to a final price of $16.7 million.

Development of the site includes $2.5 million in additional infrastructure work, such as widening a bridge, connecting to nearby roads, and updating water and sewer systems. The property, formerly home to abandoned dog kennels, is in a central industrial area that offers easy access to residents countywide.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the facility expected to open by the end of 2029.

Looking Ahead

The center will operate 24/7, offering integrated inpatient and outpatient services for both adults and children, including an on-site pharmacy and primary care support. The aim is to reduce pressure on emergency rooms and law enforcement by creating a more efficient, coordinated approach to mental health care.

“This new center will be a game-changer,” district staff said in a memo. “It will replace a fragmented system that is costly, ineffective, and ill-equipped to handle ongoing crisis needs.”

Source: WLRN