From Planning to Practice: Insights From a Survey of Crisis Stabilization Centers was authored by Policy Research Associates with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as part of the Safety and Justice Challenge. This resource examines approaches jurisdictions are taking to establish crisis stabilization centers.
The report builds on an earlier publication by incorporating data from two surveys (2023 and 2025) of U.S. jurisdictions planning and operating crisis centers. It provides practical, data-driven insights into their operations, services, staffing, funding, and the critical lessons learned. These surveyed sites are part of an ongoing virtual learning community facilitated by PRA, which has grown to over 95 representatives across 28 states since April 2022.
By sharing these practical details and insights, the resource aims to guide other jurisdictions in planning, establishing, and operating effective crisis stabilization centers that can better meet the needs of individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The resource contains insights regarding centers’ service capacities, data collection and evaluation metrics, staffing, funding sources, partnerships and collaborations, and critical challenges and lessons learned.
Citation
Policy Research Associates. (2026). From planning to practice: Insights from a survey of crisis stabilization centers. Troy: Author. https://www.prainc.com/resources/crisis-stabilization-centers-2026.
First shared in 2024, updated in 2026.
(PDF, 1.13 MB)