An increased amount of people across the world have experienced mental health issues since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and have been forced to navigate crises in a new way. The Burrell Behavioral Crisis Center in Columbia now emphasizes that no one is exempt from a crisis by offering unique health opportunities for their visitors.

Marrisa VanDover, Director of Burrell Behavioral Crisis Center- Rapid Access Unit at 1805 E. Walnut, and her staff at spend their days customizing patients' needs. From immediate care to opioid use recovery to psychiatric assessment, therapy, and much more, she says they want to offer something individualized for every patient.

"Whether that's meeting with a prescriber and getting started on medication or whether that's sitting with a peer or having some social support," VanDover said.

This Crisis Center is Burrell Behavioral Health's second to open- their first was established in Springfield in 2020 with support from local health systems and foundations.

The World health organization estimates a 25% increase in mental illness since the pandemic began, and with so many people experiencing depression and anxiety, VanDover says Columbia's clinic wants to provide personalized care that Springfield does.

"The first step for everyone is to meet with a nurse. And from there, we have a variety of pathways. We are a multidisciplinary team, so we work with peer specialists and behavioral health techs as well as nurses, we have clinicians here and prescribers," she said.

Systems using peer specialists have seen a growing number of patients through some of their darkest times over the past few years.

"A peer has the ability to say 'Me too, I've been there. Here's what I've tried when I was in your shoes and for a lot of people, that makes them feel really hopeful," she said.

That hope fuels the team at Burrell, VanDover said, and creates a welcoming environment that she knows is that they can walk in.

"It doesn't matter who they are or what their crisis is, they're welcome in our doors, and we will help them navigate," she said.

Another Burrell Clinic will also be opening on Ash Street in Columbia on Monday to create more access to behavioral health and allow easier access for public transportation.

In its opening phases, The Rapid Access Unit on 1805 E. Walnut is now open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. but plans to expand that time in the future.

If you or someone you know over 18 is in crisis, you can call Burrell Behavioral Center's 24-hour crisis help line at 1-800-395-2132. For non-emergencies or general questions, call 573-777-8300, or click here.