A new Behavioral Health Crisis Center is being planned for Lowndes County as part of an effort to expand services around the state for those with mental health challenges.

Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Frank Berry, said Monday that the new center in Valdosta will include 24 beds and six temporary observation spots at an annual cost of $5 million.

Berry says the new center will help the department "achieve its mission of serving individuals with mental health challenges as close to home as possible."

Overall, the department plans to invest more than $17.5 million in expanded services in the region.

The project is expected to create 58 new jobs in Lowndes County.

Berry is scheduled to announce new mental health resources in the Albany area late Tuesday afternoon.

Tags: Valdosta, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, mental health, Frank Berry, behavioral health