King County this week advanced plans to open a new 24/7 crisis care center on Capitol Hill, submitting the proposal to the Metropolitan King County Council for approval. If approved within the next 30 days, the county expects to close on the former Polyclinic building at Broadway and Union by the end of 2025.

The site would become the second of five planned crisis centers funded by a $1.25 billion property-tax levy voters approved in 2023. Only one center, in Kirkland, currently operates. The Capitol Hill facility would offer same-day behavioral health and substance use treatment for adults, with stays of up to 14 days, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

The centers are designed to provide:

• Walk-in urgent care for people in immediate crisis
• Same-day mental health and substance use treatment
• Short-term stays up to 14 days for stabilization
• Referrals and connections to long-term care
• Support services including case management and recovery planning

Mayor Bruce Harrell voiced support while noting neighborhood concerns about impacts. Supporters say the center will relieve pressure on emergency rooms, while critics argue the area is already overburdened by visible crises.