Blog Post

Help Without the Wait

July 18, 2018

Jacob Hefner, EdS, LPC
When you notice something is not right – that you no longer enjoy things you used to love, or your emotions become intense, overwhelming and difficult to manage – it is better to get help than to wait and see.

We all know we should make a doctor’s appointment as soon as we notice a persistent pain or a mole that changes color. What we may not realize, though, is that the same holds true for our mental health. When you notice something is not right – that you no longer enjoy things you used to love, or your emotions become intense, overwhelming and difficult to manage – it is better to get help than to wait and see.

Now, thanks to Ozark Center and the launch of its walk-in clinic, it is easier and faster than ever to get an appointment with a licensed mental health professional.

Ozark Center began the walk-in clinic to give our community access to screening and assessment as soon as possible after a need is identified. The clinic’s goal is to meet the patient’s high level of motivation to get help with easy access to highly trained and credentialed staff.

Ozark Center’s Walk-In Clinic provides same-day appointments for patients with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to eating disorders and substance use. With a team of 14 therapists, including psychologists, social workers and counselors, patients can be matched to a mental health professional who will meet their needs and who they can see on a regular basis after their initial walk-in appointment.

What to Expect at a Visit to the Walk-In Clinic

Patients will first meet with an admissions specialist to complete initial paperwork and then will meet with a therapist to communicate their needs, explore treatment options and develop a plan of action to get the help they need. No referral is required at the Walk-In Clinic.

If possible, Ozark Center asks that clients call ahead so they can be matched with a therapist that meets the requirements for their insurance and/or to check if they qualify for financial assistance. Patients should plan to arrive by 3:00 pm to ensure they can be seen before the end of the day.

For more information, including what to bring with you for your walk-in appointment, please call 417.347.7567 or visit ozarkcenter.com/WalkInClinic.

Jacob Hefner, EdS, LPC, is Ozark Center Director of Adult Outpatient Services. He has received specialized training in the fields of substance use disorders, first-episode psychosis and mental health treatment. He has over 12 years’ experience in the mental health field.