Howard Center unveils new mental health urgent care unit

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Burlington, Vermont - In a significant step towards addressing mental health crises, Howard Center has officially unveiled its new Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC) unit in Burlington. This innovative facility, a collaborative effort between Howard Center, the University of Vermont Medical Center, Community Health Centers, and Pathways Vermont, aims to provide immediate and specialized support to individuals experiencing mental health distress.

A Much-Needed Resource

The new MHUC is strategically located at 1 South Prospect Street, making it easily accessible to the community. This unit is designed to bridge the gap between emergency care and primary care, offering timely mental health services in a supportive environment. The center operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, ensuring that those in need can receive help during critical hours.

What the Center Offers

The MHUC is equipped to handle a wide range of mental health concerns, including complex diagnoses such as intellectual disability, substance use disorder, and traumatic brain injuries. Here are some of the key services the center provides:

• Mental Health Support Services: Immediate mental health assessment, support, stabilization, brief interventions, and safety planning.
• Peer Support: Compassionate care from trained peer support specialists.
• Medical Care: Medical assessments and care, wound care, health education, and chronic disease management.
• Care Management: Referrals to community resources, assistance with medications, and follow-up care.

The center's approach is person-centered and equitable, ensuring that each guest receives tailored care that meets their unique needs. This holistic approach is particularly important for individuals who might have multiple diagnoses or co-occurring medical conditions.

Addressing the Stigma

One of the primary goals of the MHUC is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health services. The center's organizers emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. The space itself is designed to be as warm and inviting as possible, aiming to make the experience less intimidating.

"We know through research that the number one reason people delay accessing help for any sort of mental health concern is stigma or fear of the reaction if they admit that they're struggling in a certain way," said Charlotte McCorkle, senior director of client services at Howard Center.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The MHUC is committed to being accessible to all members of the community, with a particular focus on marginalized groups. The center offers language interpretation to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee populations, and racially diverse staff are employed to ensure culturally sensitive care. Staff undergo training on unconscious bias and cultural humility to better serve these populations.

Community Partnerships

The success of the MHUC is attributed to the strong partnerships between various organizations. Howard Center provides program oversight and clinical management, while Community Health Centers handle onsite nursing, telehealth, and follow-up medical care. Pathways Vermont contributes peer support services, and the University of Vermont Medical Center offers space, funding, and support.

Public Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Before its official opening on October 28, the center hosted a public ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 21. The event included remarks from project managers and guided tours of the facility. The ceremony aimed to engage the community and raise awareness about the new resource available to them.

An Alternative to Emergency Departments

The MHUC is designed to be an alternative to emergency departments for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The emergency department as a therapeutic setting is often not suited for mental health needs, as emphasized by Maureen Leahy, administrative director of psychiatry at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

"This is a walk-in clinic, so people don't need an appointment or a referral to receive services," said McCorkle. "They can simply come and show up, and get the care that they need. People will also be able to come back the next day or following their initial service to receive follow-up care".

Ongoing Support

While the MHUC operates during specific hours, it is committed to providing ongoing support beyond these times. If a guest requires ongoing support after 5 p.m., the staff will help determine the next steps, including referrals to other programs or identifying natural supports. Guests may return the next morning for additional support.

Funding and Future Plans

The MHUC is fully funded for three years, ensuring that no charges or bills will be issued during this period, except for physical health medical care services covered by insurance. The center's organizers are planning iteratively, making operational changes as needed to better serve the community, especially marginalized populations.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the new Mental Health Urgent Care unit by Howard Center marks a significant milestone in addressing mental health crises in Burlington. This innovative facility, built on the principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and person-centered care, is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families. By providing immediate and specialized support, the MHUC is not only a new resource but also a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health concerns.

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References

• https://www.essexvt.org/CivicAlerts.asp?AID386
• http://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/about-us/department-initiatives/coa/coa-howard-center-mental-health-urgent-care
• https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-09-11/mental-health-urgent-care-center-opens-burlington-october
• https://howardcenter.org/mhuc/
• https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/new-mental-health-urgent-care-center-to-open-in-burlington-next-month/