Rep. Frank Mrvan recently visited with Porter-Starke Services representatives to discuss the new crisis center in Valparaiso.
Porter-Starke Services is a Community Mental Health Center in Northwest Indiana. The nonprofit organized the crisis center.
The crisis center offers short-term (up to 24 hours) care for people experiencing a mental health emergency. The center is designed to help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits. It also provides a place where law enforcement can get help for individuals in a mental health crisis.
“I am grateful for how the Porter-Starke Services Crisis Center in Valparaiso builds upon our efforts in Northwest Indiana to invest in mental health services that address the needs of those impacted by substance use disorders,” Mrvan said in a press release.
Crisis services are a component of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, a federally supported treatment model. The model enhances the range of mental health and substance use services available in communities, including broader access to 24/7/365 crisis care.
“The crisis center can be the first step in helping someone receive the care they need,” said Matthew Burden, president and CEO of Porter-Starke Services.
Porter-Starke Services also recently established a mobile crisis team. The team responds to mental health emergencies in the community. Case managers and specialists travel to meet with people in crisis. They assess the situation, provide support and connect them with services.
“The crisis center serves adults, children and adolescents. Coupled with our other emergency services and mobile crisis team, this will allow us to better serve our community,” said Melanie Johnsen, director of acute intensive services at Porter-Starke Services.
Individuals and families experiencing a mental health crisis can walk in to the center or call 219-476-4523 to be assessed for care before being referred to services.
Porter-Starke Services has offices in Valparaiso, Portage, Knox and La Porte. They also operate Marram Health Center in Gary. In 2023, the organization served over 18,500 individuals.
