Plans to create a crisis psychiatric care center in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood are gradually moving forward. King County completed its purchase of the former Polyclinic building nearly a year ago, but does not expect the center to open before late 2027. Specialists are currently designing the facility and strengthening ties with local residents, businesses, hospitals and emergency services.
The future center will be part of a five-facility countywide network where people can receive urgent care for mental health and substance use issues regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The facilities will offer different levels of care, from brief consultations and crisis observation to stays of up to 14 days. The county paid $41.5 million for the 115,000-square-foot building, using funds from a special tax and bond financing. In addition to the crisis center, the building will house a 16-bed inpatient treatment unit and other medical tenants.
The center is intended to serve as a link between emergency services and hospitals. Police officers, paramedics and other professionals will be able to refer people experiencing a mental health crisis or substance-related problems there when hospitalization is not necessary. This will help reduce pressure on emergency departments and allow patients to be directed more quickly to the appropriate care pathway — from short-term observation to transfer to a hospital or specialized program.
Stantec is designing the interiors, and construction is expected to begin in early 2027. Trees around the building have already been trimmed to improve visibility, landscaping has been added, patrols have been increased and some graffiti has been removed. These measures resulted from an analysis using the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design approach, which seeks to improve safety through thoughtful design and use of space.
The center will be operated by Arizona-based Connections Health Solutions, which already runs a similar facility in Kirkland. Experience at that center has shown the importance of round-the-clock, walk-in access; rapid assessments; and collaboration between mental health and addiction specialists. Close coordination with police, paramedics and hospitals is equally important.
In Capitol Hill, officials plan to adapt these principles to a denser population and higher volume of people. Particular attention will be paid to safe logistics, traffic flow, noise control, coordination with the surrounding community and quickly moving patients to the appropriate next level of care.
A six-member community advisory group meets monthly with officials and participates in developing a safe-operations plan and good-neighbor agreement. Officials emphasize that they will continue informing residents and businesses before the center opens in order to address concerns and build cooperation.
Based on: How King County is preparing for Capitol Hill crisis center’s 2027 opening