With the opening of Axis Bridge Mental Health Urgent Care last summer, Axis Community Health launched an innovative service that fills a gap in the mental health care system. Axis Bridge supports Tri-Valley residents experiencing an urgent mental health need and is an alternative to seeking care at a hospital emergency department.  Patients can receive same-day short-term counseling services, psychiatry when appropriate, care coordination, and linkage to longer-term care solutions.

"This unique program has been a long-term dream for us," says Sue Compton, Axis CEO.  "We are providing rapid access to mental health care for Tri-Valley residents with the goal of minimizing the escalation of symptoms that can lead to the need for acute care."

Since opening in July, Axis Bridge has supported more than 150 people. The service is free to residents of Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton, regardless of insurance type or lack of insurance, and serves individuals and families, ages five and up. The project is supported by funds from the Cities of Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton and Alameda County.
 
"We fill the gap between emergency treatment and being on a wait-list for care but unable to wait," says Dr. Jennifer Penney, Chief of Behavioral Health at Axis. "Patients are presenting with a wide-range of needs and the issues are compelling." Examples include a mother who called about her daughter refusing treatment for an eating disorder, a patient waiting for psychiatry services through private insurance who needed interim counseling, and another patient who had a psychotic break and did not know where to turn for help.

Axis has established a direct referral process with the emergency department at Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare for patients who would benefit from Axis Bridge's services. Axis Bridge also helps patients navigate the mental health care system, which can be a daunting task.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, services are currently via telehealth; in-person services will be offered when conditions permit. The service is available Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm and on Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm. Area residents can reach Axis Bridge by calling 925-568-2080 for an intake appointment.

Axis Community Health is a nonprofit health center offering quality, affordable care including medical, dental, chiropractic, acupuncture, and insurance enrollment. Axis offers non-urgent mental health services in addition to the Axis Bridge program.  The health center opened its  Hacienda facility in May, 2016.

For more information about Axis Community Health, please visit axishealth.org.

For more information about Axis Bridge Mental Health Urgent Care, please visit axishealth.org/axis-bridge-mhuc.