Behavioral Health Walk-in Center

St. Luke’s provides mental health services with the primary goal of empowering individuals to manage their illness, find their own goals for recovery, and make informed decisions about their treatment by teaching them necessary skills in a therapeutic environment.

St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates’ Behavioral Health Walk-In Center, located at the Lehighton campus, offers a welcoming and comfortable, non-residential environment for those dealing with a variety of mental health issues.

Those seeking services or support for a non-life-threatening mental health circumstance will be greeted by a medical receptionist and will be assessed by a professional crisis intervention specialist in a relaxed, non-clinical environment. Individuals will be evaluated and provided with the resources and/or referrals needed to deal with the immediate situation. This may include psychotherapy sessions or connections other community resources – such as Veterans Affairs -- and specialists. A case manager may be assigned to provide ongoing support.

As this is considered the least restrictive environment for mental health services, the walk-in center is not the ideal option for anyone who is experiencing an extreme mental health crisis. Individuals who are experiencing that level of distress are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room.

What are some of the reasons to seek this type of care?

The following represent some of the circumstances that could prompt an individual to seek support and services at the mental health walk-in clinic:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Self-harm
• School phobia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Anger issues
• Stress reaction
• Somatic pain
• Severe mood swings
• Confused thinking
• Irrational thoughts
• Suicidal ideation
• Obsessive/compulsive thoughts

Who is eligible for services?

Anyone who is age 14 and older and a resident of Carbon, Monroe or Pike counties.

How long should some an individual seeking support expect to be there?

Center managers estimate that the average visit for the initial encounter with a first-time patient – which could include an evaluation, referral management, and a mental health assessment – would last approximately three hours. The center is not a residential facility. Those requiring that level of mental health support would be referred to an appropriate facility.

Will the walk-in center provide medication?

No. The walk-in center will not dispense medication or refill prescriptions. Individuals with those needs will be referred to the appropriate professionals. The mental health professionals can help with medication management and with the coordination of care.

Will patients be admitted to the center, if needed?

No. The walk-in center is a non-residential facility. Individuals needing more intensive, residential treatment will be referred to a facility.