It might start with a quiet comment — a child saying they feel “done” or a teen who admits they’ve been cutting. In that moment, you want help right away — but not the chaos of a hospital ER and not the long wait of trying to find a therapist on your own.
That’s where the Youth and Family Care Connection (YFCC) comes in. It provides immediate access to behavioral health care — not medical services — in a safe, calm environment designed specifically for children and teens in emotional crisis. This 24/7 youth crisis center in Pontiac is led by Oakland Community Health Network and supported by New Oakland Family Centers.
It’s designed to meet Oakland County families in moments of crisis — and guide them to what comes next.
A youth crisis center designed with families in mind
The YFCC is not a hospital — and that’s intentional. “We wanted a space that felt friendly and warm,” says Robert Lagrou, D.O., Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and a medical director at New Oakland.
“When you walk into the unit, you don’t get an institutional feel, and I think that’s really important for a lot of our families,” he says.
Walk in, be heard, get options
Families don’t need a referral or appointment to visit the YFCC. Whether they call first or go directly to the location in Pontiac, their first connection is with a licensed social worker trained in crisis response.
“They’re going to just listen,” says Dr. Lagrou, describing the initial needs assessment.
What happens next depends on the needs of the child and family. Some children may benefit from a short-term stay — up to 72 hours — while others may be referred to outpatient care or a day treatment program.
“Our role is to listen, provide some education and some options,” Dr. Lagrou says. “But then ultimately, it ends up being the family’s choice what the next steps are.”
Not a hospital, but more than outpatient
The YFCC was designed to offer what Dr. Lagrou calls “an in between” — a step that isn’t as intensive as inpatient hospitalization, but is more structured than a weekly therapy visit.
The space is small — just eight beds — with room for kids to rest or join small group sessions. The environment is calm by design, and the goal is always to help youth return to the comfort of home as soon as possible.
Kids age 17 and younger may stay at the YFCC for up to 72 hours. During that time, they receive:
- a medical and psychiatric assessment
- individual and group therapy
- support developing a safety plan
All in a safe, home-like setting.
Support for parents, too
Staff at the YFCC work closely with families to reduce fear, answer questions and build a plan together.
Family navigators help parents:
- set up outpatient care
- coordinate follow-up appointments
- walk through home safety planning
This support is especially important when suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors are part of the picture. “As long as they know there’s a plan in place, parents want their kids at home,” Dr. Lagrou says.
Why families reach out
Most families who turn to this youth crisis center in Oakland County are facing a situation they didn’t plan for — and need help fast. Common reasons include but are not limited to:
- suicidal thoughts or ideation
- cutting or other self-harm behaviors
- emotional distress that feels overwhelming to manage at home
- trauma, anxiety or behavioral challenges disrupting daily life
“Probably the number one concern is suicidal like thoughts or ideation or self-harm behaviors,” says Dr. Lagrou. “That’s really scary for parents — especially if it’s new to the family.”
In every case, the focus is on stabilization, connection and a warm hand-off to next-step care.
Part of a bigger plan for youth mental health in Oakland County
The YFCC is one part of Oakland Community Health Network’s broader strategy to make mental health care more accessible and responsive for families across Oakland County.
“What do folks in Oakland County need that would better the lives of residents?” says Dr. Lagrou. “This is a great example of service that just came out of some initial conversations.”
By offering 24/7 access to care, the YFCC helps families avoid unnecessary hospitalization and creates a space for kids who may not require inpatient care.
A place to start — even if you’re unsure
One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is not knowing whether your child really needs it.
Dr. Lagrou emphasizes that calling or visiting the YFCC doesn’t mean a child will automatically be admitted. “Even if you just want to call — that’s less threatening,” he says. “We’re going to do an assessment, listen to what’s going on, provide some education and some options.” Individual assessments, however, can only be done at the YFCC in person.
The YFCC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week — because as Dr. Lagrou puts it, “You can’t time a crisis.”
Whether it’s the middle of the night or Christmas morning, families in Oakland County can walk in, ask questions and get support — no referral, no waiting, no guesswork.
This content is sponsored by Oakland Community Health Network. Learn more about the Youth and Family Care Connection at ochn.org.
