The Rise of Behavioral Health Crisis Clinics in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties

In recent years, the rates of depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health issues have been on the rise in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, in line with nationwide trends.

Statistics show that approximately 22% of Philadelphia residents have reported a diagnosis of depression between 2015 and 2021. Additionally, mental stress among adults in the city is worsening, along with an increase in suicidal ideation and attempts among teens, according to the latest data from the Philadelphia Department of Health. Similarly, Montgomery County has seen a surge in mental health emergencies, with the mobile crisis team receiving 5,500 new calls in 2023 for issues related to mental health, drug overdoses, and other related issues.

Recognizing the growing need for immediate services and the strain on emergency departments where individuals often seek mental health and addiction treatment, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties are taking steps to open behavioral health crisis clinics that function similarly to urgent care clinics for physical health.

Philadelphia’s new mental health walk-in clinic, set to open near Broad Street and Allegheny Avenue, will provide psychiatric evaluations, same-day counseling services, urgent prescription refills, and referrals to more intensive care starting Tuesday. Meanwhile, Montgomery County is investing $18 million in a new crisis clinic for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, with plans to open in 2025 at a location yet to be determined.

According to Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair Jamila H. Winder, mental health and drug addiction are often misunderstood and stigmatized, leaving patients and their families feeling lost in where to seek help. With emergency rooms becoming overwhelmed due to the growing number of individuals in crisis, the need for specialized behavioral health services is evident.

When Montgomery County’s crisis clinic opens, it will provide 24/7 walk-in services for individuals with urgent behavioral health needs, offering support from specialists and transportation services from emergency responders and the mobile crisis team. The clinic will also accommodate children struggling with mental health challenges, providing beds for stabilization before referring them to further treatment.

Connections Health Solutions, based in Phoenix, will be providing services at Montgomery County’s walk-in clinic. The company specializes in behavioral health crisis services across the country, including various regions in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia’s walk-in center aims to assist individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders who require immediate care and guidance. Though not specifically focused on substance use disorders, the facility will be equipped to stabilize individuals with such issues, providing referrals to outside addiction services and transportation if needed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of harming themselves or others, do not hesitate to call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit one of the five crisis response centers in Philadelphia that are open 24/7. Residents can also access non-emergency behavioral health treatment through outpatient resources offered by Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and disAbility Services.

The newly established walk-in clinic will bridge the gap between emergency services and routine treatments, offering immediate support for individuals in need of intervention or support that cannot wait for traditional appointments with mental health professionals.

By offering short counseling sessions, peer support, case management, and treating all individuals regardless of their insurance status, the clinic hopes to prevent crises and connect individuals with necessary treatment before situations worsen.

The goal is to provide a safe space where individuals can receive the support they need to get back on track and overcome mental health challenges. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment to make a significant difference.

If you are in crisis, do not hesitate to reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 for immediate support.