The Village Network Opens Youth Crisis Stabilization and Residential Treatment Center in Bethesda

New $5.3 million facility expands access to specialized behavioral health services for children and families across southeastern Ohio.

BETHESDA, Ohio (Aug. 25, 2026) — When a child experiences a behavioral health crisis, finding the right care close to home can make all the difference. Families across southeastern Ohio now have that option with the opening of The Village Network’s new Youth Crisis Stabilization and Residential Treatment Center in Bethesda.

The $5.3 million facility was made possible through a partnership among four regional mental health and recovery boards representing 11 counties, with funding awarded by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The Appalachian Children’s Coalition also played a key role in securing the grant.

The new center combines crisis stabilization and residential treatment services under one roof, allowing youth to receive care closer to home while remaining connected to their families, schools and communities.

The facility includes four short-term crisis stabilization beds for youth experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis, as well as two eight-bed residential treatment units. One residential program serves boys with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities who require a higher level of therapeutic support, while the second serves adolescent girls recovering from complex developmental trauma.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to heal in an environment where they feel safe, supported and connected to the people who care about them,” said Rich Graziano, president and CEO of The Village Network. “This center allows children to receive specialized treatment closer to home, helping families stay involved in the healing process while giving young people the tools they need to build brighter futures.”

The crisis stabilization program is designed to provide short-term treatment, typically lasting seven to 14 days, to help youth safely stabilize and return to their previous level of functioning without requiring psychiatric hospitalization whenever appropriate. The residential treatment programs provide an average 90-day therapeutic stay in structured, trauma-informed environments tailored to each population’s unique needs.

Every aspect of the center was designed with healing in mind. Youth have access to private therapy offices, calming sensory rooms, family visitation spaces and on-site classrooms where they can continue their education from the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center while receiving treatment. Recreation areas and a gymnasium encourage physical activity, teamwork and healthy social interaction, while dedicated family spaces help parents and caregivers remain active participants in their child’s recovery and prepare youth for a successful transition home.

The crisis stabilization unit will primarily serve youth from Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Washington counties, while also serving additional counties throughout southeastern Ohio as capacity allows.

“This milestone reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality behavioral health services and strengthening support for individuals and families in our communities,” said Misty Cromwell, executive director of the Muskingum Area Mental Health & Recovery Services Board. “This new facility reflects an investment in the future of our region. It strengthens our behavioral health continuum of care and expands opportunities for individuals to receive support, build resilience, and achieve recovery and wellness.”

“Our priority is to strengthen local services, so families never have to travel hours away for life-saving crisis care,” said DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti. “This facility bridges a critical gap in southeastern Ohio, keeping children connected to their support systems when they need them most.”

The project was funded through $90 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars distributed by DBH to expand Ohio’s behavioral health crisis care system. Governor Mike DeWine and DBH have prioritized strengthening community-based crisis services to improve access to care and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.

The Mental Health and Recovery Board partnership supporting the project includes:

• Mental Health and Recovery Board serving Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties
• Mental Health and Recovery Board serving Coshocton, Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Perry counties
• Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board
• Washington County Behavioral Health Board

“For nearly 80 years, The Village Network has helped children and families overcome challenges through compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health services,” said Graziano. “The new facility continues that mission by expanding access to specialized care and ensuring more young people have the opportunity to heal, grow and thrive close to home.”

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Founded in 1946, The Village Network is a nonprofit behavioral health organization serving children, youth and families throughout Ohio. Through residential treatment, foster care, outpatient counseling, school-based services and community programs, The Village Network helps young people build resilience, strengthen families and create brighter futures.