COLUMBIA − Burrell Behavioral Health’s Rapid Access Unit is now 24/7, year-round as the number of patients who need help has increased.

The walk-in clinic, located at 1805 E. Walnut St., provides aid to those in need of mental health or substance-use assistance. Services from the Rapid Access Unit are at no charge to the individual seeking care.

Casey Muckler, a crisis services coordinator at the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), said behavioral health is an all-encompassing term.

“When we think of behavioral health, we think of all things that could affect our mental health and our behaviors,” Muckler said. “So that would include mental health as well as substance use as well as mental well-being.”

Marissa Vandover, director of the Burrell’s Behavioral Crisis Center, said the facility has been looking to become a 24-hour service since last year’s opening.

“Since the time we opened, when we look at our numbers last year, our numbers have more than tripled,” Vandover said.

On average, the clinic serves 200 people a month, and Vandover expects the number to grow higher with the full-time care.

“The need for crisis services continues to increase and access to care is incredibly important now more than ever. We know that crisis doesn’t have a stop time, crisis isn’t defined between 8 and 5 business hours,” she said.

Mental illness treatment services in Boone county increased by 1,169 disorders diagnosed from 2019 to 2021, according to data from DMH.

Muckler said the need for mental health services in the state has also increased.

“Just over the past two years we’ve really seen the increase in the number of people who are reaching out to 988, who are reaching out for mobile crisis response support, who are going to those behavioral health centers.” 

This service can aid law enforcement when receiving calls for mental health.

“Historically, law enforcement has been our default first responders to people who are experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance crisis,” Muckler said. “We know that while sometimes they receive the training they need, not all the time do they receive the necessary training.”

988 is the national suicide and crisis lifeline. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call, text or chat to receive help.