Same Day and Urgent Care
In case of a crisis when a person is at imminent risk of harm to self or others, please call 911 or Crisis Services (716-834-3131). Read more at Emergency Services under Mental Illness Basics
Many times going to the Emergency Room (ER) is not necessary to receive the assessment and/or treatment you require. By accessing Same Day Services or mental health Urgent Care (hospital diversion), you may receive a more appropriate level of treatment. Same Day Access or Urgent Care is especially helpful when individuals are in recovery, adapting to a new medication, recently discharged from a hospital, reluctant to seek treatment, unable to keep an appointment, or are reluctant to seek treatment in traditional settings. The ER is for crisis stabilization and potential hospitalization only, and not for more comprehensive ongoing treatment. In addition, you may avoid a potentially long wait in the emergency room.
Same Day Access for behavioral healthcare and substance use disorders is available at most outpatient treatment providers. Same Day Access means you can make an appointment to be seen on the same day or in some cases by simply walking in. People are more apt to keep an appointment made the same day, avoid seeking care at an emergency room, and receive more comprehensive care in a timelier manner.
Urgent Care is for people experiencing mental health distress, especially anxiety and depression, or an immediate need for medication or medication management. Urgent Care does not take the place of the ER, although professional staff at Urgent Care sites will direct you to the ER if you require that level of care.
Same Day Access Resources:
Since most mental health and substance use disorder organizations have Same Day Access, please refer to providers in Treatment Resources, then call or go online to find locations and hours.
Urgent Care Resources
Erie County Medical Center
Help Center
Outpatient Behavioral Health Building
(not the Emergency Room or CPEP)
716-898-1594
1285 Main St., 1st Flr.
Buffalo, NY 14202
www.ecmc.edu
Includes access to services at the Medication Assistance Program (MAP) Clinic for individuals in need of medication who do not have a prescriber physician. Note: immediate access to medications is not guaranteed.
Service Details
Walk-in Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00am-10:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Holidays 10:00am – 6:00pm
Virtual Visit Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am 9:30 pm.
Fees: Financial assistance based on ability to pay.
An urgent care service for walk-in mental health treatment of adults in crisis who do not require psychiatric emergency treatment or inpatient care. Walk-in and virtual. Focus on wellness to aid those experiencing, anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts and behaviors, hallucinations, feelings of hopelessness / helplessness.
Service Area: WNY.
The Renewal Center
Western New York Independent Living Center (in collaboration with Housing Options Made Easy)
716-245-4200
327 Elm Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
www.wnyil.org
Fees: Free
Service Details
Hours 3 pm – 11 pm
A walk-in program for individuals having a crisis that may lead them to the hospital emergency room, needing to talk with someone who has experienced similar situations, or needing encouragement in making positive changes in their life. Guests who visit can talk with a Peer Specialist and a Registered Nurse, and have access to a variety of other services including:
– Development of WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action) plans
– Assistance with budgeting and financial planning
– Learning coping skills
– Linkage to community resources, and much more.
Guest must be at least 18 years of age and have a primary mental health or substance abuse condition.
Service Area: Erie County.
Crisis Services
Mobile Outreach Program
716-834-3131
100 River Rock Drive – Suite 300
Buffalo, New York 14207
Fees: Varies based on insurance coverage; you may incur a cost depending on insurance coverage.
Service Details
The Emergency Housing Service provides short term (30 day) housing for individuals with psychiatric disorder who lack housing or funds for housing. Applicants must have a current psychiatric assessment from Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Veterans Hospital, Buffalo Psychiatric Center, or any outpatient program.