A new Mental Health Urgent Care center opened in Burlington, Vermont, in October 2024, offering a critical alternative to emergency department visits for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The facility, developed through a partnership between the University of Vermont (UVM) Medical Center, Howard Center, Pathways Vermont, Community Health Centers, and the Vermont Department of Mental Health, aims to provide timely, supportive care to those in need.
The facility is designed to be a welcoming space for individuals facing acute mental health issues, offering services such as peer support, mental health care, and assistance with follow-up services. In an effort to create a calming environment, the center intentionally refers to its visitors as “guests” rather than patients or clients, underscoring its approach to care. The team also includes an onsite nurse who can address basic physical health concerns.
One of the key features of the Mental Health Urgent Care is its accessibility. Guests can access services without needing a referral, an appointment, or any financial barriers, as the services are fully funded for the next three years. The only requirement is that guests must be at least 18 years old.
According to Maureen Leahy, administrative director of UVM Health Network’s psychiatry service, the Mental Health Urgent Care is designed to intervene early, offering help before individuals reach a crisis point. “We wanted to build something that somebody could go to when they start to feel a crisis coming on, before they get to the point where they can’t stand it any longer,” Leahy explained.
This initiative is seen as a vital step in addressing a growing need for accessible, compassionate mental health care in the community.
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