Butler Hospital has opened a new clinic that applies an urgent care model to mental health, aiming to deliver fast access to behavioral health services without long delays.
Hospital officials introduced the “Express Care” program on Wednesday, saying it is designed to provide quick, high-quality support for people who need help managing mental health concerns.
The clinic offers same-day care for adolescents, adults and older adults experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress or grief. No appointment or referral is required — patients can walk in or call ahead — and most major insurance plans are accepted.
Gretchen Anderson, senior clinical director of Ambulatory and Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Butler, said the program simplifies access to care in a mental health system that can feel difficult to navigate.
“This program was created to fill the gap between routine outpatient scheduling and the emergency department,” Anderson said. “Our goal is to provide rapid access to compassionate expert care for people who need timely support without the long wait times.”
What To Expect During A Visit
A typical Express Care visit follows a streamlined process:
- Check-in
- Brief screening to identify needs
- Behavioral health assessment by a licensed clinician
- Creation of a personalized care plan
- Review of medications or short-term prescriptions when appropriate
- Referrals for additional services
- Discharge with a clear plan and follow-up steps
Visit length depends on individual needs and wait times, but the hospital says patients will be seen promptly.
“Whether someone needs help managing symptoms, support connecting with a therapist, or guidance on starting treatment, we’re here to help them take the next step,” Anderson said.
The clinic aims to ensure accessible mental health services for people at any stage of life. Care may include medication refills, referrals to new therapists or psychiatrists, and tailored recommendations for behavioral health providers.
Those in immediate crisis — including individuals experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, needing medical stabilization, or dealing with severe withdrawal or intoxication — should go directly to the emergency department.
Butler Express Care is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the hospital’s Sawyer Building off Blackstone Boulevard.
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