JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Frontier Health has expanded its Virtual Behavioral Health Urgent Care model to serve clients across the broader community, increasing access to timely mental health services.
Originally launched in January 2024 as a pilot, the program has grown over the past two years, providing rapid access to care for existing clients. With this expansion, Frontier Health aims to extend those same services to individuals throughout the region.
“At Frontier Health, our goal is to provide timely access to mental health care, as we believe mental health needs are just as vital as medical needs,” said Chesnie Cox, regional vice president of medical practice operations. “Our urgent care model is the first in the area to connect people with timely mental health care within their own communities, rather than distant or expensive online services.”
The Virtual Behavioral Health Urgent Care program offers same-day or next-day intake appointments. Clients meet virtually with a care coordinator and a psychiatric-trained medical provider. While therapy services are not currently available on the same day, referrals for therapy can be made during the initial urgent care visit.
Eligible individuals complete intake paperwork and nursing visits at any Frontier Health outpatient medical site Monday through Thursday during regular business hours. Afterward, they are scheduled for a virtual intake appointment with the urgent care team.
Established clients will continue to have access to care coordination and medication services through the urgent care model during regular hours, as well as additional availability on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
“These services are billed just like regular care, including insurance,” Cox said. “For those without coverage, we connect individuals with a care coordinator to explore payment options and community resources.”
Cox emphasized the importance of expanding access to mental health care across the region.
“Now, more than ever, accessible mental health care is essential,” she said. “This model aims to reduce access disparities and ensure every member of our community can have timely access to care when they need it.”
For more information, call Frontier Health’s referral line or contact any outpatient location.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 911 for immediate emergency assistance.