Lighthouse Behavior Wellness Centers celebrated recently the opening of its Children and Adult Urgent Recovery Center at 615 Westside Drive.
The center provides behavioral health and holistic healthcare for children and adults experiencing mental health and/or substance use problems, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence or age.
The event included a ribbon cutting and an open house with tours of the facility.
Jessica Pfau, CEO of Lighthouse, said that while it was a celebration of the beautiful building, it really was about much more than a building.
“It is about making sure that when someone is experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma or any other mental health challenge, they know there is a place they can turn,” Pfau said. “A place where they will be welcomed, supported and treated with dignity right here at Lighthouse.”
She said Lighthouse has had a crisis center in Durant for years, however, the crisis center truly needed its own space. Pfau encouraged those attending to meet the Lighthouse team and see firsthand what they do.
“More importantly, I hope you leave with an understanding that mental health care plays a large role in strengthening families and communities,” Pfau said.
According to Pfau, the need for mental health services continues to grow, and Lighthouse is committed to growing alongside that need.
“This renovated crisis center provides more space, better accessibility, greater privacy, and a more welcoming environment for people we serve,” Pfau said. “Every decision was intentional because the physical environment matters. When someone walks through our doors, we want them to feel safe, respected and cared for.”
Paula Pfau is the Chief Clinical Officer of Crisis Services for Lighthouse, and the Pfaus are sisters-in-law. Paula Pfau said Lighthouse has been proud to serve the community through its adult crisis center since 2020 and its children’s crisis center since 2024.
“Lighthouse believes there should be no wrong door when someone is experiencing a crisis,” Paula Pfau said. “This means every person presenting to us in a mental health, substance use or co-occurring crisis is received with urgency, dignity, safety and a clear path to care. Whether a person walks in on their own, reaches out by phone or arrives with the support of family, first responders, from a hospital, a school or a community partner, the response is consistent. We welcome the person, we assess their immediate needs, we focus on stabilizing the crisis, and we connect them to the most appropriate next step.”
Paula Pfau said the facility was created to enhance Lighthouse’s ability to provide people with easy access to Lighthouse team members who are specifically trained to walk with people during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“Our goal isn’t simply to help someone through one difficult day, but to guide them through the next step,” Paula Pfau said. “Whether that’s connecting them with outpatient counseling, substance use rehabilitative care, family support or other community resources, Lighthouse wants to walk with them on their path.”
