On December 6, CN Guidance & Counseling Services will officially open its Community Crisis Center in Hicksville, New York. Created to provide immediate, compassionate support for individuals facing mental health and substance use emergencies, the center introduces a new model of care to residents of Nassau County.

Located at 950 S. Oyster Bay Road, the facility continues CN Guidance’s 50-year mission of improving access to behavioral health services on Long Island. Since 1972, the nonprofit has offered integrated mental health and substance use treatment, always adapting to meet the needs of the communities it serves. The opening of the center marks a key moment in that mission, adding another setting where people can receive practical and reliable support close to home.

Immediate Help in the Moments That Matter

When a mental health or substance use crisis strikes, timely care can make all the difference. The new center provides walk-in, round-the-clock access to professional support, clinical assessment, and stabilization in a welcoming environment. For individuals experiencing overwhelming anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, or suicidal thoughts, the center is a place where they can receive skilled and understanding care without delay. Staff members are prepared to meet people where they are, offering calm guidance during moments when options may feel limited.

Unlike traditional emergency services, this facility is designed with a behavioral health focus. Staffed by licensed clinicians and support professionals, it offers a direct connection to longer-term services, so no one has to face recovery alone or work through complicated systems without help. Visitors can also access referrals and follow-up planning, helping them move forward with a clearer sense of next steps.

Strengthening Community Support Systems

This expansion helps address a growing challenge in emergency response. Hospitals and police departments are often the default options during a mental health crisis, even though they may not have the tools or training for long-term support. The Community Crisis Center offers a more appropriate alternative, which not only eases pressure on emergency systems but also leads to better outcomes for individuals in distress. It encourages a coordinated, thoughtful approach that supports both residents and the professionals who serve them.

By creating a place where people can turn for expert help, CN Guidance is strengthening the community’s overall response. The center will coordinate with many of the organization’s other services, such as its veterans outreach and school-based behavioral health programs.

A Commitment That Continues to Grow

This new crisis center reflects CN Guidance’s long-standing dedication to access and inclusion. Services are available in multiple languages and are offered regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Whether through mobile outreach, patient navigation, or trauma-informed care, the organization keeps expanding its efforts to support people across all walks of life. The center also reinforces CN Guidance’s belief that early, community-based intervention helps individuals find stability before problems escalate.

As a key part of the region’s crisis care continuum and co-located with CN Guidance’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), the new facility, with the support of the NY State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Nassau County, represents a vital expansion of the organization’s mission to deliver comprehensive, trauma-informe,d and person-centered care across the region. 

Looking Ahead with Purpose

The Community Crisis Center’s opening this December marks a meaningful addition to mental health and substance use care in the region. As behavioral health needs continue to rise, CN Guidance is responding with practical, compassionate support. The center helps reduce strain on hospitals and law enforcement while providing people with timely, respectful care during their most difficult moments. 

For residents of Nassau County, this center offers something essential: a place to turn when help feels out of reach. It represents a growing local commitment to treating behavioral health challenges with dignity, urgency, and care.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or professional advice. For specific guidance or assistance, individuals are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals.