A new crisis center is expected to open in summer 2026 in downtown Louisville, expanding access to mental health services for the community.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Efforts to improve mental health support in Louisville are moving forward with plans to open a new crisis center downtown.
The need for expanded mental health services has been discussed in the city for years.
“We know that a lot of the issues that we face as a city are people who are experiencing a crisis or recovering either a mental health issue or substance use,” said District 8 Metro Councilman Ben Reno-Weber.
The issue has gained renewed attention recently.
Last month, Louisville Metro Police officers shot and killed 28-year-old Katelyn Hall, who was experiencing a mental health crisis while holding a jagged piece of porcelain.
“After the killing of Katelyn Hall last month, this issue is weighing even more heavily on our hearts and the minds of so many in our community,” said Denise Ruffra, co-chair of the mental health committee with Citizens of Louisville United Together (CLOUT).
Plans for the crisis center became official in December after Metro Council approved $1.15 million in funding for the project.
The center will allow people of all ages to walk in voluntarily or be brought in by first responders for mental health evaluations and connections to appropriate resources.
“If we can avoid the costs of emergency transport, jail, ER expenditures, this is a great return on investment for our city,” Reno-Weber said.
Seven Counties Services will oversee the development and operation of the center and recently secured a location on East Broadway Street.
In a statement, Seven Counties Chief Operating Officer Dr. Elizabeth McKune said:
“Access to immediate mental health care is a critical need, and Seven Counties Services is committed to making that access a reality for Louisville and our surrounding communities. A new Crisis Center will be opening in downtown Louisville later this year, with additional details to be shared as they become available. Expanding crisis care in this community is central to our vision of helping more people thrive through accessible care.”
Reno-Weber added, “Whether you believe in the individual flourishing of a human being or you want our streets to have fewer homeless people on them, anyone can agree a response that helps achieve those objectives is something we want to push for.”
During a CLOUT community meeting on April 20, Ruffra said the center is expected to open this summer, likely in July.
She also noted that initial operating hours will be from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., with plans to expand to 24/7 service in the future.
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