New Baptist Health program gives families same-day mental health services

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Doctors at Baptist Health say in general, adults and children can sometimes wait months to see a counselor for their mental health needs.

“There’s not enough behavioral heath providers in the community,” Dr. Terrie Andrews said.

That’s why Baptist is rolling out a new Acute Care Clinic. A $25,000 grant from CVS Health is helping them offer families same-day access to mental health services.

“If you have a cold or you're experiencing flu symptoms, you can be seen immediately in primary care. That’s what we’re wanting to build at Baptist Behavioral Health,” Dr. Andrews said.

Dr. Andrews said one in five adults and kids need mental health counseling at some point in their life.

“Something happened, maybe they’re going through a divorce they weren’t expecting," she said. "We’re trying to get them quick access, help to be able to stabilize them."

She said the new clinic will also serve patients who need a prescription for their medication but can’t get an appointment with their psychiatrist.

The grant from CVS is helping to fund telehealth technology that allows doctors and patients to video chat.

Right now, the program is serving adults out of Baptist's downtown campus. Dr. Andrews says they hope to have the pediatric side of the clinic up and running by the fall.

"We know if we can intervene earlier, then their trajectory is much greater for success," she said.

The bottom line – they want families to be able to get the help they need faster.

Increasing mental health care Increasing mental health care

© 2020 Cox Media Group