MIDDLETOWN – Newport County Community Mental Health Center Inc. has named Farrell Carley the first coordinator of its Weekday Walk-In mental health counseling program on Johnny Cake Hill Road.
Weekday Walk-In, started in March, enables people to receive mental health treatment without making appointments. Among the barriers preventing people from seeking mental care is the inability to arrange an appointment, or the inconvenience involved in making one, according to a study published on the National Centers for Biotechnology Information website.
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Weekday Walk-In addresses that barrier, making it easier to hurdle.
“We’re the only center in Newport County that provides an Open Access Weekday Walk-In. Basically, we want to make it easy to get treatment because often the biggest obstacle for people not getting treatment is accessibility. Our Weekday Walk-In solves that,” said Jamie Lehane, CEO and president of Newport Mental Health.
Lehane said it’s very difficult for people to make the decision that they’re having a mental health or substance-abuse issue that requires professional help.
“Our philosophy is, when you’re finally able to do that, we’re going to lose you if you’re not able to walk through that door when you’re ready,” Lehane said.
Once in the door, prospective patients are assessed for both their counseling needs and ability to pay. While Weekday Walk-in treats people regardless of their ability to pay, it does charge a person’s insurance if they’re covered, Lehane said.
Should a walk-in patient need immediate care, Lehane said, they can get that person immediate counseling or, in the case of substance abuse, refer the person to detox care.
Carley previously worked at Codac Behavioral Health Care in Newport. Her specialty is chemical dependency, depression and anxiety. She holds a master’s degree in holistic counseling from Salve Regina University.
“We’re thrilled to have Farrell on board. She’s a vital component of our team, especially with her vast experience in treating people with substance use, gambling and other addictions,” Lehane said.
Weekday Walk-In runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. You an email him at Borkowski@pbn.com.
