When 20-year-old Rikaylah began showing signs of bipolar disorder—something she had seen her father struggle with—her mother knew just what to do. She called 911, and Rikaylah was taken to Lakeview Center, the Central Receiving Facility for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

Individuals in mental health crisis come to Lakeview Center’s downtown Pensacola campus for a Baker Act screening. As the most comprehensive behavioral health center in Northwest Florida, Lakeview Center’s dedicated team of medical professionals stand ready to connect those in crisis with the specialized care that fits their needs – including community-based care, outpatient treatment or residential programs.

After a screening, Rikaylah was admitted to Lakeview Center’s Crisis Stabilization Unit, where she stayed for six days and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“I loved the staff at Lakeview Center,” said Rikaylah. “The food was amazing, and everything was very clean. I enjoyed my time there.”

Rikaylah credits Dr. Ellie Peskosky, clinical director of Lakeview Center’s acute care services (“She was so sweet to me!”). Peer specialist Heather Bryant also “has an amazing program. She talks about goals and aspirations we want to work for throughout the year and what steps we need to take to reach these milestones.”

For Rikaylah, that means finding a stable job and moving into a home of her own. She’s now preparing to start classes in the dental hygiene program at Pensacola State College. But more than anything, she says she’s learned the importance of “keeping balance and being kind to myself and others.”

“I feel so much better since going to Lakeview.”

Every day, more than 50 new clients reach out to Lakeview Center programs in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties – asking for help with mental health care or addiction treatment. Driven by our mission, Lakeview Center provides comprehensive care to all, regardless of ability to pay.

However, we can’t do it alone. With your help, we can reach more people struggling with mental health issues across Northwest Florida.

To help those in a mental health crisis like Rikaylah, give a donation online.