NEW PORT RICHEY – BayCare has opened a behavioral health urgent care center, the first of its kind in Florida.
The new outpatient facility offers walk-in and same-day appointments for Pasco-area adults in urgent need of mental health and substance use services.
Made possible by a $3.6 million grant from Pasco County commissioners, the center is part of BayCare’s extended behavioral health campus at 8005 King Helie Blvd., New Port Richey.
“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 Tracey Kaly, clinical operations director at BayCare. “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 Pasco County commissioners, 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 Feb. 26 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“It means so much for our Pasco County residents to have a place to seek help for their mental health needs,” Mariano said. “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.”
Need to go?
The new BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Same-day appointments can be made by calling 727-281-3350.
