BayCare opened its behavioral health urgent care center, the first of its kind in Florida. The outpatient facility, which offers walk-in and same-day appointments for Pasco County area adults in urgent need of mental health and substance use services, began treating patients earlier this year.
Made possible by a $3.6 million grant from the Pasco County Commission, the new center is part of BayCare’s extended behavioral health campus located at 8005 King Helie Boulevard in New Port Richey, Florida.
“When we evaluated how we could better deliver mental health services to the community, we recognized that there was a piece of the puzzle missing,” said BayCare Director of Clinical Operations Tracey Kaly. “Often, people do not seek help until they are in crisis and feel their only options are to call law enforcement or visit the ER. This center is a bridge—a safe space where people in urgent need of mental health or addiction care, can be seen in a timely manner by a trained professional who can evaluate their needs and connect them with ongoing services in their area, hopefully mitigating the need for hospitalization.”
Visitors to the new BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care are welcomed into a calming environment where they undergo a screening and clinical evaluation to determine which short-term interventions are needed. Patients may also work with recovery support specialists whose personal lived experiences offer hope and guidance during times of struggle.
Support from the Pasco County Commission, which awarded BayCare the largest portion of the county’s opioid settlement funds, was essential to bringing the project to fruition. Commissioners Jack Mariano, Kathyrn Starkey and Lisa Yaeger joined BayCare leadership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this year.
“It means so much for our Pasco County residents to have a place to seek help for their mental health needs,” said Commissioner Mariano. “With BayCare’s experience, people will get the help they need, and it will save lives. It’s a benefit to the taxpayers as well because it will keep people out of jail which will save our taxpayers money.”
The new BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care center is open Monday through Friday 8am to 7pm. Same day appointments can be made by calling (727) 281-3350.
