FORT WAYNE, Ind. – March 25, 2025 – Park Center, an Indiana Certified Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) serving nearly 22,000 people each year and a member of the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers (ICCMHC), is excited to weigh in on the findings of a new ICCMHC study, which showcases the tremendous value and impact that CMHCs have on individuals, families, and communities across the state of Indiana.
The study reveals a compelling return on investment (ROI), demonstrating that for every dollar spent on community mental health services, there is a significant and measurable benefit to society. These findings highlight the critical role CMHCs and crisis units play in improving mental health outcomes, reducing emergency room visits, preventing costly hospitalizations, positively impacting jails, and supporting individuals in living healthier, more fulfilling lives.
"Park Center’s mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive mental health care that meets people where they are,” said Dr. Ahsan Mahmood, physician executive, PBHI. “This study highlights the crucial role that Park Center plays in delivering crisis services that make a measurable difference and ultimately save lives. We remain committed to expanding access to care and working alongside our partners to support individuals in need across Allen, Adams and Wells counties."
The study, which involved a comprehensive analysis of data from CMHCs throughout Indiana, found that these centers are not only essential to mental well-being but also a smart investment in the long-term health of the state’s economy. Key findings from the study include:
- Reduced healthcare costs: Community mental health centers help decrease the need for emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalizations, reducing overall healthcare spending.
- Crisis services vs. inpatient hospitalization: Community mental health centers’ crisis services have had an annualized savings of $80,867,002 to the state of Indiana. This has been accomplished by providing timely, effective mental health interventions, reducing the need for more costly emergency room visits, hospitalizations and law enforcement involvement. By focusing on community-based care, including mobile crisis units and 988, Indiana has been able to prevent costly institutional care and ensure individuals in crisis receive the appropriate support, ultimately lowering healthcare and criminal justice system expenses.
- Crisis services vs. jail: Crisis services in Indiana have saved the state an annualized $45 million in jail services by diverting individuals with mental health crises away from jails and into appropriate care. Through programs like mobile crisis units and mental health treatment, individuals in need of mental health services receive timely interventions that prevent arrests and reduce the need for incarceration. This approach not only improves outcomes for those in crisis but also lowers the financial burden on the criminal justice system.
"The findings of this study reaffirm what we witness every day at Park Center—the profound impact that accessible, community-based mental health services have on patients, families and our community,” said Adam Kurtz, vice president of operations, PBHI. “By providing timely interventions, we not only improve mental health outcomes but also reduce the strain on emergency departments, hospitals and law enforcement. Investing in these services ensures that those in crisis receive the appropriate care they need, leading to healthier lives and a stronger community."
Local Impact:
- Park Center’s specific impact in Allen, Adams and Wells counties has had an estimated annualized savings of $4,619,513, with 348 clients being diverted from inpatient hospitalization or the emergency room and 389 clients being diverted from interaction with law enforcement or jail in 2024.
- Park Center received 13,670 calls to its Helpline last year alone – 2,480 of which were classified as immediate crises.
- 52% of responses involved the mobile team with a median on-site response time of 64 minutes.
- Funding from the state for a 24/7/365 Crisis Stabilization Unit has allowed Park Center to expand crisis services across its catchment area with peer specialists who are specially trained to support urgent behavioral health needs.
- 24/7/365 SOS Mobile Response teams are ready to dispatch to any location in response to individuals in crisis and partner with law enforcement, emergency services and social service providers.
This study serves as an important reminder of the value of prioritizing mental health and investing in the services that make a real difference in people’s lives. Per ICCMHC, continued support from our State Administration for full implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC model) will allow continued investment in our community mental health and crisis response systems.
The Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the provision of quality mental health and substance use services for all Hoosiers. Comprising of community mental health centers across the state, the Council works collaboratively with government entities and stakeholders to ensure accessible and effective mental health care. For more information, please visit www.indianacouncil.org.
About Park Center
As part of Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, Park Center is the designated CMHC for Allen, Adams and Wells Counties and provides numerous mental health services that can make a positive impact on an individual’s emotional well-being or recovery from substance abuse. Park Center is certified by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) to provide a full continuum of mental health services to those who meet the diagnostic, functional and income guidelines set forth by DMHA. For a full list of services, please visit https://www.parkview.com/medical-services/behavioral-health.