At Temple Health, we believe that every person—no matter their circumstances—deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care. This belief is part of who we are: it fuels our mission, inspires our teams, and drives our commitment to the neighborhoods and patients we serve.
That commitment is now reflected in a major milestone for our organization: the official opening of the new Crisis Response Center (CRC) at Temple University Hospital-Episcopal Campus.
More than a new unit, the CRC is a message—to our patients, employees, and community—that Temple shows up for those who need us most. Behavioral Health care is scarce in our region, but the need is greater than ever. Temple Health’s investment in this expansion is a bold statement that mental health services are healthcare—and that every individual in crisis deserves dignity, safety, and hope.
We held a ribbon-cutting and appreciation event in May—celebrating years of planning, teamwork and dedication—and began accepting patients in mid-September. For years, our CRC has been the busiest in the region, treating more than 12,000 patients a year. Thanks to $3 million in Commonwealth capital funding and a generous gift from the Episcopal Healthcare Foundation, our new CRC is three times larger—and much better equipped to meet our community’s needs.
“At Temple, we reinvest every dollar—whether from philanthropy, state support, or operations—back into our patients and team,” says Abhi Rastogi, MBA, MIS, Chief Operating Officer & EVP of Temple Health and President & CEO of Temple University Hospital Inc. “The new CRC represents who we are as an institution. It’s a place of healing, connection, and hope.”
Designed With Purpose—For Healing, Safety, and Dignity
At 14,000 square feet, the new CRC is bright and expansive, with nature photographs covering the walls and ceiling. The ample space allows us to better respond to our community’s needs while offering patient-centered care.
“Because the new CRC is much larger, we can treat more patients, and do so more effectively,” explains John Robison, Episcopal’s Executive Director. “You can’t help but feel the difference in the new space compared to where we came from, and that’s a powerful motivation for staff to deliver, and patients to receive, exceptional care.”
“Our goal has always been to create a place where healing truly begins the moment someone walks through our doors,” says Marcus Appolon, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, the CRC’s Nurse Manager. “We wanted every part of the environment—from the artwork on the walls to the lighting and calming colors—to speak to dignity, compassion, and hope. For individuals in crisis, even small details can make a difference, and we wanted them to immediately feel seen, safe, and cared for.”
“We were tasked with creating the best space for our patient population,” says Yvette Valiente, Episcopal’s Senior Director of Facilities Services. “Leadership allowed us to dream big, and that’s why the Crisis Response Center is what it is.”
The team is especially excited that staff resources from Episcopal’s Substance Use Disorder Clinic are now embedded in the CRC. “We used to have to call our Certified Recovery Specialists when we needed them, but now that they’re in the CRC, they can provide immediate care,” Valiente explains.
“Our Certified Recovery Specialists and Crisis Response Technicians do an incredible job building genuine connections with our patients,” Appolon adds. “Together, they form the backbone of our therapeutic environment, providing compassion, structure, and stability during some of the most difficult moments in our patients’ lives. Their teamwork not only brings hope and understanding, but also helps us move patients forward in their recovery journeys.”
“They know the community resources, they know the right people, and they make things happen,” Appolon continues. “One of our specialists recently placed four patients in less than 30 minutes. That level of collaboration and dedication truly changes lives.”
Built Together, for Each Other
The new Crisis Response Center embodies Temple Health’s collaborative approach to care delivery. Team members across multiple departments brought the project to life—from Behavioral Health providers to Nursing, Security, and Facilities.
“The success of the CRC is all about the team effort that went into it,” Valiente says. “We had so many departments contributing to the project, and so many of the ideas came from the front line. One of our Psychiatry residents even picked out the artwork. We were able to design the space with the specific needs of our patients and team members in mind—and you can see the result.”
Today, the CRC is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—ready to serve, comfort, and heal.
“The new Crisis Response Center truly reflects Temple’s mission,” Rastogi says. “It shows that our commitment is not only to our patients, but also to our employees. When we invest, we invest in people—and this project is proof.”