Sacramento County will open its first urgent care clinic for mental health Friday.
The clinic was made possible by Sacramento County's Board of Supervisors, UC Davis, and Turning Point Community Programs, a local non-profit that has been providing mental health services in the area for more than 40 years.
The clinic is funded by the county, thanks to the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Those involved want people in the county to know that regardless of financial situation, they can get the services they need.
Uma Zykofsky, the behavior health director for Sacramento County said services will include psychiatry, medication, peer support and more.
Al Rowlett, CEO of Turning Point, said part of what he believes will make the clinic successful is the welcoming energy of his staff and the clinic itself. For example, as soon as you walk in, you will see 'Hope' on the receptionist bulletin board.
The clinic includes waiting rooms for adults, families, young children, and even one for older children.
Rowlett add the clinic will be the first mental and behavioral health clinic in the county.
Staff members wore green ribbons the day before opening to symbolize that mental health should be normalized.
"Green ribbons really do symbolize the message of not stigmatizing," said Rowlett. "Making [mental health] part of the mainstream part of the culture."
Zykofsky said this opportunity was made possible through funding from the MHSA. The clinic is an innovation project and in pilot-mode still.
Both Rowlett and Zykofsky said they don't want money to be a reason people don't seek out mental health services.
The clinic will be open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and 6 p.m. on holidays.
If you are interested in visiting the mental health clinic, it is located at 2130 Stockton Blvd., building 300.
For more information, call (916) 520-2460.