Thousands of people are expected to benefit from major investment in mental health care across the South West.
As part of a nationwide plan to improve care and accessibility, the Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working towards launching a Mental Health Emergency Department scheme within the next two years.
The scheme is part of the first phase of a wider national rollout and is subject to necessary approvals.
It will offer fast, same-day specialist care for those experiencing a mental health crisis who do not require medical treatment in a traditional A&E setting.
Jill Crook, South West regional director of nursing, said: "Too many people in the South West 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 across the region get support earlier and closer to home, making it easier to get the right care before problems escalate.
"This is how we will greatly improve access to mental health services in the South West – preventing more people from reaching crisis, cutting waits for care, and building an NHS that is fit for the future."
The plan forms part of the biggest overhaul of neighbourhood mental health services in a generation, with up to 155 new sites being developed across England.
The South West as a whole is working towards delivering seven Mental Health Neighbourhood Centres and nine Mental Health Emergency Department schemes in the first two years, subject to necessary approvals.
The investment is part of a 10-year health plan and is backed by more than £327 million in funding for mental health facilities over the next four years.
The goal is to shift the focus from crisis response to earlier intervention.
By improving access to community-based mental health care, the government aims to reduce pressure on the NHS and support people before they reach crisis point.
This approach is designed to help more children stay in education, enable more adults to remain in or return to work, and ultimately create a healthier, more resilient region.
Facilities will include both new builds and services housed in community locations such as libraries and high street buildings.
These centres will offer a more accessible, non-clinical environment for people seeking support.
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