Overview
When a mental health crisis can’t wait for an appointment… when someone is in acute distress, threatening to harm themselves or others, or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, the Tri-Cities has a dedicated crisis center available around the clock. The Benton-Franklin Crisis Response Unit is the community name for crisis services now operated by Comprehensive Healthcare, which serves as the Washington State Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) for both Benton and Franklin Counties.
This is the right resource when 988 isn’t enough and someone needs in-person crisis assessment, mobile outreach, or a higher level of care than a phone call can provide. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost and no appointment is needed.
Who It’s For
Anyone in Benton or Franklin County experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, regardless of age, insurance status, or ability to pay. Referrals can be made by the individual themselves, a family member or caregiver, law enforcement, or a medical or social service professional. There are no eligibility restrictions.
What They Offer
Crisis Line 24/7
A staffed crisis line for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Trained crisis professionals provide immediate support, de-escalation, and help determine what level of care is needed next.
Walk-In Crisis Center
In-person crisis assessment and support, available daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM without an appointment. Services include crisis assessment by Mental Health Professionals, Crisis Care Providers, and Peer Counselors; referrals to outpatient or longer-term treatment; follow-up services; emergency assistance with psychiatric medications; and information and referral.
Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs)
Washington State-certified mental health professionals with legal authority to evaluate individuals for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization when needed. Available through the crisis center when a crisis reaches that level.
Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach
A mobile team serving youth in crisis across Benton and Franklin Counties. Going to homes, schools, and community locations to assess safety, de-escalate, support families, and connect to follow-up care. Request by calling the crisis line.
Tri-Cities Locations
Crisis Center — Kennewick (Primary Crisis Location)
The main crisis walk-in center for Benton and Franklin Counties. 24/7 crisis line; walk-in services daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
7404 W. Hood Place, Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 792-1747 | (800) 572-8122 | or dial 988
comphc.org/locations/crisis-center-kennewick
Columbia Valley Center for Recovery (CVCR) — Kennewick
The Tri-Cities’ first inpatient behavioral health treatment and recovery facility, opened June 20, 2026. Located at the former Kennewick General Hospital site, this 56,000-square-foot facility brings together four specialized programs under one roof, serving people at every point along the recovery continuum, from crisis stabilization to residential treatment.
Programs include:
- Sobering services: short-term safe place to sober up, no arrest required
- Medical detox: medically supervised withdrawal management
- Crisis stabilization: short-term stabilization for mental health and substance use crises
- Residential treatment: longer-term inpatient care for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions
The facility can accommodate up to 68 individuals across all programs and is designed with private rooms and a trauma-informed environment. Care is available regardless of insurance status when someone walks through the doors in crisis, they receive care right away.
216 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336 (former Kennewick General Hospital site)
comphc.org
Pasco Office
Outpatient behavioral health and mental health services serving Franklin County.
2705 St. Andrews Loop, Suite C, Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 792-1747
How to Access Services
- Call: (509) 792-1747, (800) 572-8122, or dial 988. Any time, 24/7
- Walk in: 7404 W. Hood Place, Kennewick. No appointment, no referral needed, daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
- CVCR: Go directly to 216 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick. Care provided regardless of insurance
- Request youth mobile outreach: Call the crisis line and ask for a mobile response
- Language access: Interpreter services available including Spanish
- Email: crisis@comphc.org
Comprehensive Healthcare Crisis Response | All Locations
For Families of Individuals with Disabilities
If your family member with a developmental or intellectual disability is experiencing a behavioral or psychiatric crisis, the Crisis Response Unit is an appropriate first call, even if the crisis appears behavioral rather than purely psychiatric. Crisis professionals can assess the situation and help connect your family to the right next step. You don’t have to manage a crisis alone.
Crisis vs. Emergency: Knowing When to Call 911
Call 911 when someone is in immediate physical danger or there is imminent risk of violence requiring law enforcement. For mental health or behavioral crises without immediate physical danger, the Crisis Response Unit is typically the better first call, crisis professionals are specifically trained for these situations and can often de-escalate without police involvement, which is particularly important for individuals with disabilities.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline → | Lourdes Counseling Center → | LCSNW Youth Crisis Services → | Washington 2-1-1
FAQ
Is the Crisis Response Unit the same as calling 911?
No. The crisis line connects you with mental health professionals trained in crisis de-escalation — not law enforcement. For most mental health crises, this is a better first call than 911 unless there is immediate physical danger.
Is there a cost?
No. Crisis services are free regardless of insurance status. CVCR also provides care immediately regardless of insurance.
What is the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery?
CVCR is the Tri-Cities’ first inpatient behavioral health and recovery facility, opened June 20, 2026. It brings together sobering services, medical detox, crisis stabilization, and residential treatment under one roof at the former Kennewick General Hospital site — filling a gap that previously required Tri-Cities residents to travel elsewhere in Washington for inpatient care.
What is a Designated Crisis Responder?
A DCR is a licensed mental health professional certified by Washington State with authority to evaluate someone for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization under the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) when a crisis reaches that level.
My family member has autism and is in behavioral crisis, is this the right call?
Yes. Crisis professionals can assess any mental health or behavioral crisis regardless of diagnosis and help connect your family to appropriate next steps, including providers with IDD-specific expertise.
What is the Youth Mobile Crisis Team?
A mobile team that comes to you, home, school, or community, to assess and stabilize a youth mental health or behavioral crisis in place. Call (509) 792-1747 and ask for a mobile crisis response.
