FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026
DURANGO, Colo. — Axis Health System’s Regional Crisis Center (RCC) in Durango will transition to a Walk-In Crisis Center (WICC) on July 1, 2026. The new model will provide immediate access to behavioral health crisis care across southwest Colorado, reflecting both the State of Colorado’s evolving behavioral health system and Axis’s commitment to providing timely, evidence-based care in the least restrictive setting appropriate to each individual’s needs.
As part of this transition, the Regional Crisis Center’s Acute Treatment Unit (ATU) will close on June 30, 2026. The Regional Crisis Center will continue to provide 24/7 crisis intervention and will now provide a more robust range of stabilization, assessment, treatment, and recovery services. For individuals needing a higher level of care, Axis will identify the best option and coordinate referrals for the individual.
New and expanded services include:
- 24/7 walk-in behavioral health crisis assessment
- Same-day psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Twenty-three-hour observation and stabilization services
- Expanded crisis stabilization in an unlocked, therapeutic environment
- Rapid connection to outpatient behavioral health services
- Peer support and recovery navigation
- Care coordination with hospitals, primary care providers, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and community partners
- Enhanced substance use disorder treatment and recovery planning
“Our goal is to make it easier for people to receive help the moment they need it,” said Brian Ensign, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Axis Health System. “The Designated Walk-In Crisis Center model allows us to provide immediate assessment, stabilization, and connection to ongoing care.”
Expanded Services
Axis is developing rapid-access psychiatric and medication-assisted treatment services to expand treatment options for individuals experiencing opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substance use conditions. Information about the new services will be shared later this summer.
Continuing to Serve the Community
The Regional Crisis Center remains available to anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Individuals may walk in directly or be referred by hospitals, emergency responders, law enforcement, healthcare providers, family members, or other community partners.
About Axis Health System
Axis Health System is a nonprofit provider of integrated healthcare serving communities throughout southwest Colorado. Axis provides primary care, behavioral health, dental care, pharmacy services, crisis services, and substance use treatment to individuals and families across the region. The Axis Regional Crisis Center in Durango is located on the Mercy Hospital Campus at 1125 Three Springs Blvd. The RCC can be reached at 970.247.5245 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Media Contact
Haley Leonard Saunders
Vice President of Strategy and Communication, Axis Health System
970.335.2207, hleonard@axishealthsystem.org
