Kentucky’s second mental health emergency room opens in Lexington
Kentucky’s second behavioral health emergency room opened Wednesday in Lexington.
New Vista, who provides mental health and substance abuse services to Fayette and surrounding counties, opened the new behavioral health urgent care for those that need immediate treatment for mental health issues that do not require hospitalization.
“By providing timely, walk-in access to clinical care, we are strengthening our community’s response to mental health and substance use crises and ensuring individuals receive the right level of support when they need it most,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Hudson said.
Kentucky sees a range of mental health struggles across the state. The University of Kentucky opened the state’s first mental health emergency room in July 2024, treating over 150 patients in its first 10 days. The new facility at New Vista will help treat vulnerable populations and bridge the gap between emergency care and outpatient mental health care.
New Vista welcomes people who are in mental health crisis, or need acute mental health or substance use treatment. The facility is also open to people dealing with addiction, depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, mood swings or hallucinations.
Staff at the facility, on Newtown Pike, includes licensed clinicians, engagement specialists, a psychiatric provider and peer support specialists.