CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- People grappling with mental health emergencies have another option for help in Chicago. WBBM Newsradio’s Nancy Harty reports a new clinic is offering same day or next-day appointments.
With so many people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues during these stressful and uncertain times, Dr. Tamir Aldad said those seeking psychiatric help often have to wait weeks or months for treatment.
"Because there is an access to care issue, a lot of them don't make it six to eight weeks, so we are seeing an increased number in emergency room visits and many of them are turning to substance use," he said.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel ordered half the city's clinics closed in 2012.
Aldad is CEO of Mindful Urgent Care, which opened an office in Fulton Market last month and has plans for others in Lincoln Park and River North in the next three months. He said the office accepts most insurances.
Dr. Aldad said they aim to provide teens and adults with medication and therapy, whether in-person or via virtual visits.
"Our goal isn't just to establish acute intervention, it is to establish acute intervention and sustained care to prevent patients from being hospitalized or having to go to the emergency room," he said.
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He said they let patients determine what is considered urgent, but that frequently includes panic attacks or unbearable levels of stress, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Remote learning has presented teens with plenty of pressure, he said, and more may experience anxiety about returning to school buildings after nearly a year at home.