BayCare has opened a new behavioural health urgent care centre in New Port Richey, Florida, US, offering immediate mental health services.

Florida's first behavioural outpatient facility provides Pasco-area adults with same-day and walk-in appointments.

The BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care centre started treating patients earlier this month and also offers appointments for individuals urgently needing substance use services.

The establishment of the centre was made possible through the Pasco County Commission’s $3.6m grant with BayCare receiving the largest portion of the county's opioid settlement funds.

Located at 8005 King Helie Boulevard, it is part of BayCare's extended behavioural health campus.

BayCare clinical operations director Tracey Kaly said: "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 centre 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 hospitalisation."

Upon arrival, visitors experience a calming environment where they will receive a screening and clinical assessment to determine the necessary short-term interventions.

The facility also employs recovery support specialists who draw on their own experiences to offer hope and guidance to patients.

The BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care centre operates Monday through Friday.

BayCare's recent acquisition of a 36-acre office parcel in Tampa Bay Park, adjacent to its St Joseph’s Hospital’s campus, underlines its strategic growth and service consolidation efforts.

BayCare is a not-for-profit health care system and its diverse network of ambulatory services includes imaging, laboratories, surgical centres, wellness centres, BayCare Urgent Care locations, and BayCare HomeCare.