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Philadelphia now has its first urgent care facility for mental health needs, offering psychiatric evaluations, quick counseling sessions, prescription refills and referrals.
The white brick building near North Broad Street and West Allegheny Avenue is home to a new walk-in clinic run by the city in partnership with mental health services provider Merakie.
At a time when behavioral health care demand is at its highest and a shortage of health care workers is hindering the ability to provide care, Interim City Commissioner Marquita Williams said. Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services He said clinics like this one are needed to fill that gap.
“For too long, there have been too many barriers to mental health services,” Williams said. “We know this clinic will make a difference in our city. We know this clinic will make a difference to many people. We know this clinic will make a difference to families. We know this clinic will save lives.”
The clinic is funded by the city; Merakiis a regional and national behavioral health organization that will officially begin accepting patients on September 3rd.
The clinic’s waiting room plays soothing music, the walls are decorated with artwork by local Philadelphians, and exam rooms are like small living rooms, furnished with couches, comfortable chairs, coffee tables and soft rugs.
Maybe I’ll meet with a therapist here Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Sessions“We’re seeing a lot of people in our community who are struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Nicole Connell, senior executive director of Merakie Adult Behavioral Health Services of southeastern Pennsylvania.
“Sometimes you don’t need long-term therapy,” she says. “Something just happened and you just need a reset. You just need a place where you can talk about whatever challenges you’re having.”
