Watch Meghan Daniels’ video report below:<\/p>\n
New Oak Park urgent care center offers immediate mental health crisis support<\/p>\n
“People just sharing their stories wisdth me being stuck with where to go, people being left in the ER knowing what they have but needing to see a psychiatrist to get medication shifted,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
Smith, who serves as chief executive officer of Safety-Zone Behavioral Health Urgent Care, said the idea came from her understanding of the behavioral health system and recognizing there had to be a better approach.<\/p>\n
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“Knowing the ecosystem of behavioral health and thinking there has to be a better way and truly by prayer, it was just an aha moment,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
That moment of inspiration became a mission to create a place where people can access help immediately, before a crisis escalates into tragedy.<\/p>\n
“Our goal is truly to add capacity for folks who need services right then and there, so they don’t have to go to an emergency room \u2014 a much higher cost location and a more stigmatizing place,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
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The center takes a comprehensive approach to crisis intervention. Patients are met by a trained team that looks beyond the immediate crisis, screening for social determinants of health and providing ongoing support as people navigate their next steps.<\/p>\n
“Do you have a house? Are you saved? Do you have transportation, etc. and then we help work with you and walk with you until you get that next level,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
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SafetyZone<\/a> has also partnered with local programs, including Safe Space for Men<\/a>, to create a continuum of care for people who need more than a single visit. William Word, an intake specialist at Safe Space for Men, explained how the partnership developed.<\/p>\n “Audrey saw a need for a SafetyZone and a Safe Space for Men could live in the same environment \u2014 she saw that. I was providing this service for men, so she reached out and was like hey, you know, I think that this could be a good marriage,” Word said.<\/p>\n WXYZ<\/p>\n For staff and advocates, the mission is straightforward: ensuring no one in crisis has to wonder where to turn for help.<\/p>\n “Bringing a safety zone into the mix, there’s a place for you to go,” Word said.<\/p>\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769150231_476_.png\")
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