Vermont Business Magazine Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) in Newport has extended the hours of its Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC) program, now open 24 hours a day from Monday through Friday. The program previously operated 16 hours a day. The new extended hours will ensure care is available at any time during the week, allowing individuals in crisis to access timely support when they need it most.
New Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care hours:
- Monday: Open at 7:00 a.m.
- Monday - Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Closes at 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
The Front Porch Program, located at 235 Lakemont Road in Newport, offers walk-in mental health and substance use-related care for adults and families in crisis. No appointments are necessary, and services are free of charge. The program provides peer support, individual and group therapy, and help for those dealing with both mental health and substance use challenges.
“Finding stability starts with feeling safe. Sometimes, that means finding a change of environment,” said Kelsey Stavseth, Executive Director of NKHS. “Thanks to our amazing staff and the Newport community, we’ve created a space where people can come without hesitation, and it’s been incredible to see the positive impact on those we serve.”
MHUC programs like Front Porch are a key element of the Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) initiative to build a complete mental health crisis system of care. This crisis response system includes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as a resource for someone to call, Mobile Crisis teams to respond, and MHUCs as safe places to go. Together, these services provide comprehensive support for those in crisis, aiming to reduce pressure on emergency departments and limit the need for law enforcement involvement.
"Mental health crises don't stick to a schedule. Expanding the availability of services is an important step toward reaching more Vermonters when they need it," said DMH Commissioner Emily Hawes. "We are extremely proud of the work that NKHS and the Front Porch team are doing to support our communities."
Click here to learn more about Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care program
Suicide is preventable, and help is available. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. To get help, give help, and join Vermont's suicide prevention efforts, visit FacingSuicideVT.com.
About the Department of Mental Health
Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) has a critical mission to improve the conditions and well-being of all Vermonters across the state and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Visit mentalhealth.vermont.gov
About Northeast Kingdom Human Services
NKHS is a State of Vermont Designated Agency serving all communities in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, comprising Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties with the mission to empower individuals, families and communities by promoting hope, healing, and support.
Visit nkhs.org
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