Experiencing a mental health crisis can be overwhelming, and knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC) is designed to bridge the gap between emergency rooms and routine care, offering immediate and accessible support for adults facing mental health challenges. This guide provides essential information about MHUC, ensuring you know where to go for timely help.
Who Can Benefit from Mental Health Urgent Care?
Mental Health Urgent Care is a vital resource for adults over 18 experiencing a range of mental health situations. MHUC is here to support individuals who:
- Are currently struggling with mental health distress or significant concerns.
- Have complex conditions, including intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, or traumatic brain injuries, alongside their mental health needs.
- Are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in a suicide crisis.
- Have existing medical conditions that co-occur with their mental health concerns.
- Need immediate support from peers who understand mental health challenges firsthand.
Location, Contact Information, and Hours of Operation
When you need immediate mental health assistance, knowing the practical details is crucial:
Location: 1 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT – easily accessible and centrally located.
Phone: 802-488-MHUC (6482) – call for immediate assistance or inquiries.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – providing weekday support during key hours.
Accessibility: MHUC welcomes walk-ins – no appointment is necessary, making it easy to get help when you need it most. Benefit from free parking and convenient access via public transportation.
Holiday Schedule
For planned closures, especially around holidays, please consult the 2025 Holiday Calendar to ensure service availability.
Understanding Funding and Insurance
Access to mental health care should be straightforward. Mental Health Urgent Care services are fully funded for the initial three years, meaning they are free of charge. The only exception is for physical health services provided at MHUC, which may be covered by your insurance. Providing insurance information helps with planning for any potential future service needs.
Comprehensive Services Offered
Mental Health Urgent Care delivers a range of services designed to provide immediate and effective support:
- Mental Health Support Services: Receive immediate mental health assessments, stabilization, brief therapeutic interventions, and crucial safety planning to navigate crises.
- Peer Support Specialists: Benefit from the understanding and empathy of trained peer support specialists who bring lived experience to care.
- Medical Care: Access medical assessments and basic care, including wound care, health education, and management of chronic conditions that might be impacting your mental wellbeing.
- Care Management & Referrals: Get connected to essential community resources, receive assistance with medication management, and ensure smooth transitions to follow-up care and ongoing support.
MHUC is committed to providing person-centered, equitable, and coordinated care, ensuring that every individual’s unique needs are met with compassion and expertise.
Why Choose Mental Health Urgent Care Over the Emergency Room?
Mental Health Urgent Care plays a critical role in the healthcare landscape. It’s designed to be a more appropriate and effective alternative to emergency departments for mental health crises. Emergency rooms are often overwhelmed and may not be the ideal setting for addressing mental health needs with the specialized care required.
MHUC is specifically created to:
- Reduce unnecessary emergency department visits: By offering a dedicated therapeutic environment focused solely on mental health.
- Provide timely mental health services: Ensuring individuals receive immediate attention and support without the long waits often experienced in emergency settings.
- Offer a supportive and trauma-informed environment: Designed to promote healing and recovery, unlike the often stressful and clinical atmosphere of an emergency room.
Downloadable Resources and Translations
To ensure information is accessible to everyone, MHUC provides downloadable info sheets in multiple languages:
Arabic | Burmese | Bosnian | Dari | French | Haitian Creole | Kirundi | Maay-Maay | Mandarin | Nepali | Pashto | Serbian | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Tibetan | Tigrinya | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
Telehealth Services
Howard Center also provides telehealth services, offering a secure and convenient way to access mental health support remotely. Learn more about telehealth at Howard Center >>
Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health Urgent Care
What if I need support after hours?
MHUC staff will work with you to determine the best next steps, which may include referrals to other programs or connecting you with natural support systems. You are also welcome to return the following morning for continued assistance.
Are there any service charges?
For the first three years of operation, Mental Health Urgent Care services are fully funded. You will not receive any bills or charges for mental health services during this period. Physical health medical services may be billed to your insurance.
Can I be referred by the emergency department?
Yes, emergency department staff can certainly refer individuals to MHUC as part of a discharge plan. It’s important to note that emergency departments are obligated to provide immediate treatment when needed.
How does MHUC differ from an emergency department?
MHUC is specifically focused on mental health and wellbeing. It provides care in a trauma-informed environment that is tailored to the unique needs of individuals experiencing mental health challenges, offering a more specialized approach than a general emergency department.
Collaborating for Enhanced Mental Health Services
Mental Health Urgent Care is a result of strong community partnerships, working together to improve mental health access and care:
- Howard Center: Provides program leadership and clinical oversight, ensuring high-quality mental health services.
- Community Health Centers: Offers onsite nursing care, telehealth capabilities, and follow-up medical services to address integrated health needs.
- Pathways Vermont: Delivers peer support services, bringing invaluable lived experience and support to individuals seeking help.
- University of Vermont Medical Center: Provides essential space, funding, and ongoing support, demonstrating a commitment to community mental health.
How to Support Mental Health Urgent Care
If you are interested in supporting the mission of Mental Health Urgent Care, you can make a donation to Howard Center. For more information on how to contribute, please contact the Development and Communication office at 802-488-6913 or via email at DevelopmentTeam@howardcenter.org.
