SHFT Behavioral Health Launches Chicago's First Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing mental health support, SHFT Behavioral Health has unveiled Chicago's very first urgent care clinic dedicated to mental health services. Set to open to the public on November 3, 2025, this innovative facility blends the immediacy of urgent care with the compassion required for addressing mental wellness, particularly for youth and families in distress.
Founded by Kellogg MBA alumni Genia Yovankin and Holley Brandchaft-White, SHFT emerged from a pronounced need for accessible, timely mental health care for young individuals aged 10 to 30, as well as their families. According to Yovankin, "Despite heightened awareness of mental health issues, families often find themselves without instant avenues for support outside of emergency rooms (ERs). We envisioned a space that feels welcoming, supportive, and extraordinarily accessible."
A New Approach to Mental Wellness
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, at 730 N. Franklin St., SHFT stands poised to offer essential services, including same-day support, throughout the week. The clinic encourages both walk-in visits and pre-scheduled appointments. Services include:
"We aimed to construct a space we would choose for our own friends and family," reflected Brandchaft-White, the Clinical Director. The approach adopted by SHFT is not just innovative in service delivery but is also a response to alarming statistics; estimates suggest that approximately 60-70% of mental health-related ER visits are not necessarily severe enough to require hospitalization. Yet, until now, many individuals had nowhere else to go during these moments of crisis.
Community Engagement and Support
To celebrate the opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for October 30, with notable attendees including local leaders from the NAMI Chicago and the office of Illinois State Representative Margaret Croke. Following the official commencement of services, SHFT will host an open house on November 12, inviting community members to tour the facility, meet the staff, and learn more about its commitment to accessible mental health care.
As SHFT Behavioral Health aims to redefine how communities access mental health support, their mission is clear: to facilitate connections with care before crises develop, while actively working against the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance. Their commitment to human-centered care represents a transformative step in the realm of mental health, making critical support more accessible to those in need.
For more information about SHFT Behavioral Health, to make an appointment, or to learn about their services, visit www.shftbh.com or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram @shft_behavioralhealth and LinkedIn. Showcasing a commitment to effective mental health interventions, the SHFT urgent care clinic stands as a pioneering facility that not only meets urgent needs but also shapes a more compassionate approach to mental health care in Chicago.
Founded by Kellogg MBA alumni Genia Yovankin and Holley Brandchaft-White, SHFT emerged from a pronounced need for accessible, timely mental health care for young individuals aged 10 to 30, as well as their families. According to Yovankin, "Despite heightened awareness of mental health issues, families often find themselves without instant avenues for support outside of emergency rooms (ERs). We envisioned a space that feels welcoming, supportive, and extraordinarily accessible."
A New Approach to Mental Wellness
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, at 730 N. Franklin St., SHFT stands poised to offer essential services, including same-day support, throughout the week. The clinic encourages both walk-in visits and pre-scheduled appointments. Services include:
- - Urgent mental health support provided in a calming, non-emergency environment
- - Consistent outpatient therapy alongside comprehensive medication management
- - One-time in-person consultations and follow-up coordination to ensure seamless continuity of care
"We aimed to construct a space we would choose for our own friends and family," reflected Brandchaft-White, the Clinical Director. The approach adopted by SHFT is not just innovative in service delivery but is also a response to alarming statistics; estimates suggest that approximately 60-70% of mental health-related ER visits are not necessarily severe enough to require hospitalization. Yet, until now, many individuals had nowhere else to go during these moments of crisis.
Community Engagement and Support
To celebrate the opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for October 30, with notable attendees including local leaders from the NAMI Chicago and the office of Illinois State Representative Margaret Croke. Following the official commencement of services, SHFT will host an open house on November 12, inviting community members to tour the facility, meet the staff, and learn more about its commitment to accessible mental health care.
As SHFT Behavioral Health aims to redefine how communities access mental health support, their mission is clear: to facilitate connections with care before crises develop, while actively working against the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance. Their commitment to human-centered care represents a transformative step in the realm of mental health, making critical support more accessible to those in need.
For more information about SHFT Behavioral Health, to make an appointment, or to learn about their services, visit www.shftbh.com or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram @shft_behavioralhealth and LinkedIn. Showcasing a commitment to effective mental health interventions, the SHFT urgent care clinic stands as a pioneering facility that not only meets urgent needs but also shapes a more compassionate approach to mental health care in Chicago.
Topics Health）
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