If you though you heard it all when it came to creativity around health, think again.
Mental Health Treatment on the Go
Beacon Health Options just opened a mental health clinic in Walmart.
Yes, Walmart, the store that sells groceries, electronics, and just about everything else. Well they now also have a therapy department.
The Boston-based clinical mental health and substance use disorder management company launched the clinic at a Texas-based Walmart branch but intend on spreading the initiative across the country.
The Basis for the Initiative
According to Beacon’s president and CEO, Russell C. Petrella, MD, the retail location offers a convenient and local setting for community members. This along with the evening hours would make the clinic more accessible to clients.
In outlining the goal, Petrella mentioned fighting stigma, simplifying the finding help process, and assure quality care.
The clinic is meant to deal with less serious mental health cases such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and grief. For more serious cases or for a crisis, patients will get a referral for a provider in Beacon’s network.
How will it work out? Time will tell.
If it’s a success, this may just be a major turning point in how we view mental health treatment.
Would you visit a professional at a mental health clinic in Walmart?
Please share in the comments below.