The Centers plans to close its Adult Psychiatry Unit (APU) on Oct. 26.

In a continued effort to control expenses, the non-profit mental health facility, which has operated the unit for many years, will refer Medicare-covered patients requiring hospitalization to The Vines.

Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director Dr. Donald Baracskay explained the planned closure.

“Although we have attempted to change the number of beds and to control some costs associated with the APU, the program has continued to lose money,” he said. “We are working on agreements with The Vines to ensure that this transition happens smoothly.”

This operational change will not impact Marion County and the surrounding community. The Adult Crisis Unit, Children’s Crisis Unit and Adult Detox Unit will remain open and continue to offer the same treatment of care.

The key difference between the Adult Crisis Unit and the APU rests in the insurance options that will pay for care, officials said. Due to federal regulations, individuals with all other forms of insurance can be served by The Centers’ Adult Crisis Unit. Medicare recipients must be served by an APU.

The Centers has had multiple acute care units throughout the years, including:

  • Adult Crisis Unit, 24 functional beds;
  • Children’s Crisis Unit, 12 licensed beds;
  • Adult Detox Unit, eight licensed beds; and
  • Adult Psychiatric Unit, 10 functional beds.

The Vines, a local, for-profit psychiatric hospital, is now accepting those with Medicare coverage who require inpatient care. 

“There will be absolutely no changes to any other operations of The Centers,” Baracskay said. “If anything, we anticipate expanding our outpatient capabilities in the near future.”

The non-profit Centers has been serving Marion and Citrus counties since 1972. With three locations, approximately 450 employees and 12,500 clients, The Centers provides child welfare services and comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment services, including a unique program for mothers battling opioid addiction. Committed to offering quality and affordable care for all in need, The Centers strives to rebuild hope and significantly impact the lives of children and adults in the community each year. For more information, visit TheCenters.us.