Crisis Continuum
Crisis doesn't wait for business hours. Neither do we.
When you're in the middle of a mental health emergency, the last thing you should worry about is where to turn for help. That's exactly why Alliance Healthcare Services built the largest crisis continuum in Tennessee - so you always have somewhere safe to go.
What Is a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)?
A Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is a safe place to go during a mental health crisis when home isn't working but a hospital isn't the right fit either.
It offers short-term crisis care — a calm, supervised space to stabilize, rest, and make a plan with a team of professionals. Think of it as the middle step between an emergency room and going it alone.
A CSU is often a faster, less stressful choice than a hospital ER. You are seen by people trained in behavioral health, in a setting built for crisis and recovery.
Crisis Stabilization in Memphis: 45 Adult Beds and 15 for Kids
Alliance operates the largest crisis continuum in Tennessee, right here in Shelby County. That includes two Crisis Stabilization Units:
Adults (18+): the Crisis Wellness Center at 3200 Broad Avenue runs 45 flexible crisis beds for short-term stabilization. Open 24 hours a day, every day.
Children and teens (ages 4–17): the Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center (CYCWC) at 602 Malcomb Street offers 15 beds in a developmentally appropriate, family-centered space. Open 24/7.
Both units are close to home — no long drive out of town, no waiting for a bed in another city.
What to Expect
You do not need to have everything figured out before you come. The team takes it from there.
A typical stay includes:
A crisis assessment to understand what's happening and what will help
A calm, supervised space to stabilize and rest
Medication support and a nursing check when needed
Family involvement in the plan (especially for children and teens)
A discharge plan that connects you to next-step care before you leave
Stays are short-term. Most people are here for hours to a few days, just long enough to get steady and set up support.
Is a CSU the Right Place for Me or My Loved One?
A Crisis Stabilization Unit may be the right level of care when someone is:
Feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or unable to cope, but not in immediate medical danger
In a mental health or substance use crisis that needs more than an outpatient visit
Cycling in and out of the ER without a plan that sticks
If there is a medical emergency or someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, our team can help you decide the right step — you don't have to sort it out on your own.
How to Get Help - Any Time, Day or Night 24/7
You can reach Alliance's crisis team 24/7. There is no wrong way to ask for help.
24-Hour Crisis Line: (901) 577-9400
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
General questions / scheduling: (901) 369-1410
Adults:
Walk in any time at the Crisis Wellness Center - 3200 Broad Avenue
Children & Teens:
Walk in any time at the Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center - 602 Malcomb St
Insurance shouldn't stop you from getting help. Alliance serves adults with or without insurance: TennCare, Medicare, and sliding-scale options are available. See our Insurance and Payment Options.
Note: the Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center currently accepts BlueCare/TennCare Select, United Healthcare TennCare, and Wellpoint TennCare, and no child will be turned away regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
We Are More Than Crisis Response – We're Your Partners
Pre-Arrest Diversion
Working with Memphis Police CIT officers, we divert over 500 individuals monthly from jail to treatment. Because mental health challenges shouldn't be criminalized.
C.A.R.E. Team
Our Crisis Assessment and Response to Emergencies Team pairs CIT officers, paramedics, and licensed mental health professionals. Operating 7 days a week, 8am-8pm, they provide on-scene assessment and immediate connection to resources.
Emergency Room Partnerships
We work directly with local hospitals to provide crisis assessments and smooth transitions from emergency departments to appropriate mental health care.
Take the first step. Call (901) 369-1410 today.
Questions About Crisis Services?
We're here to help, even before the crisis.
What if I don't have insurance?
Can family members get information?
What should I expect during assessment?
How do I know if someone needs crisis care?
Call 901-369-1410 to speak with our team about crisis services, or visit us at any of our locations throughout Shelby County.
When you're ready to move beyond crisis toward recovery, our outpatient services, addiction programs, and community support are here. Because healing happens in community, not in isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a crisis stabilization unit near me in Memphis?
Yes. Alliance operates a 45-bed adult Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) inside the Crisis Wellness Center at 3200 Broad Avenue, Memphis — the largest in Tennessee. It offers stays of up to 5 days with medication management plus individual and group therapy. Walk in 24/7 or call (901) 577-9400, or call or text 988. A separate 15-bed CSU for children and youth ages 4–17 operates at the Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center, 602 Malcomb Street.
What does the Alliance Crisis Continuum include?
The Alliance Crisis Continuum includes the Crisis Assessment Center (24/7 walk-in evaluation), 23-hour observation, a 45-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit (up to 5-day stays), Medically Monitored Detox, Crisis Respite (4-day therapeutic stays), Pre-Arrest Diversion, the C.A.R.E. Team, SAFE Team, and emergency room partnerships. It is Tennessee's largest crisis continuum.
Where is the Alliance Crisis Continuum located?
The Alliance Crisis Continuum for adults is housed at 3200 Broad Avenue, Memphis (the Crisis Wellness Center). Children and youth ages 4–17 are served at the Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center, 602 Malcomb Street. Both locations operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Do I need an appointment for Alliance crisis services?
No. The Alliance Crisis Wellness Center accepts 24/7 walk-ins at 3200 Broad Avenue. You can also call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at (901) 577-9400 or 988 from anywhere in Tennessee. Mobile Crisis can come to your home if you cannot safely come to the Crisis Wellness Center.
Will I have to stay overnight if I walk in to the Crisis Wellness Center?
Not necessarily. Many people receive a crisis assessment, brief stabilization, and connection to outpatient services in a few hours. Some need 23-hour observation. Some are admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit for up to 5 days. The Alliance team recommends the least restrictive option that keeps you safe.
Will insurance cover Alliance crisis services?
Yes. The Alliance Crisis Continuum accepts TennCare, Medicare, BlueCare, Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, and Wellpoint. Crisis services are provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. If you're in crisis, walk in or call — billing is handled afterward, never as a barrier to immediate care. Note: the Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center currently accepts BlueCare/TennCare Select, United Healthcare TennCare, and Wellpoint TennCare, and no child will be turned away regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Available at these Clinics
Crisis Wellness Center
Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center
Available with these Programs
Adult Crisis Services
Rise Up: Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P) Program
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Children and Youth Crisis