More people will be able to access earlier mental health support, closer to home, under a major new investment.
A total of 159 new NHS mental health facilities will open across England under a scheme backed by £343 million, representing the biggest redesign of mental health services in a generation.
This will include 100 new community mental health centres offering walk-in support without referrals or long waits, and 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Nobody should be left to struggle with their mental health alone.
"But every day, thousands of people are waiting months for help, then finding the only door open to them is a busy A&E.
"These new centres will be a lifeline for so many.
"They will bring NHS services closer to home, making it easier to get support before problems get worse, and ensuring those in crisis get the right care in the right place.
"On the steps of Downing Street, I said we would build a country that acts sooner when people need help.
"Today is just the start of making that a reality."
Demand for mental health support has risen sharply, particularly among children and young people.
Around one in five people experience a common mental health condition each year, and many only receive help at crisis point, placing additional strain on NHS services.
How will the mental health centres work?
The new centres aim to improve early access by bringing mental health teams together under one roof.
They will work alongside GPs, councils, the voluntary sector and families, with direct links into housing and employment support.
The first sites are expected to open from autumn this year, with further facilities following from March 2027.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the plans.
Ms Cooper said: "Too many people are only getting mental health support when they reach crisis point, after struggling for far too long to get the help they need.
"These new community mental health centres will help people get support earlier and closer to home, making it easier to get the right care before problems escalate.
"And when someone does need urgent help, new mental health emergency departments will be able to make sure they are seen quickly by specialist teams in the right setting.
"This is how we can turn the tide on mental ill health – preventing more people from reaching crisis, cutting waits for care, and building an NHS which is there for everyone when they need it."
Where will the mental health centres be located?
Community hubs will be located in newly built facilities as well as existing spaces such as libraries, banks and other high street locations.
All will be designed as welcoming settings with a non-clinical appearance.
Alongside this, the 59 new mental health emergency departments will offer fast, same-day specialist care for people experiencing crisis.
These services are intended for those who are medically fit and do not require A&E treatment.
The emergency departments will work closely with ambulance and police services.
They will provide a calm and therapeutic environment for assessment and connection to further care, whether that is inpatient treatment, home support or community services.
This expansion will more than double the number of dedicated mental health emergency departments in England, bringing the total to 82.
The new facilities represent the first phase of a broader mental health programme outlined in the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
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