TAMPA, Fla. — The first behavioral health urgent care center in Florida is now open in Pasco County.

Administrators say the new facility provides timely, comprehensive care that can help reduce the need for hospitalization. The center provides a bridge, a safe space for those needing mental health or substance use services.

“We have that same day assessment, that same day provider available for them to walk in and get the help they need and then connected with whatever that next step looks like for them,” said Samantha Clark, behavioral health therapist program supervisor.

Morgan Barnett works as a recovery support specialist. Three years clean, she says she can relate to patients on a personal level.

“I’m a recovering addict, I spent years and years and years not able to effectively deal with my own trauma, so I turned to drugs and alcohol in order to cope with that,” shared Barnett.

“I’m able to tell them that I’ve walked in their shoes and I’ve come out on the other side,” Barnett said of sharing her journey with patients.

“Relate to them and give them a little bit of my own experience, which ultimately helps them to open up.”

More than 100 patients have been seen since the center's doors opened in late February.

“People are coming in with depression, anxiety, they have a trauma history, maybe they’re dealing with a recent loss and they have grief or they’re struggling with a substance addiction,” said Clark, who said offering urgent care provides a new level of care.

“We have that same day assessment, that same day provider available for them to walk in and get the help they need and then connected with whatever that next step looks like for them,” said Clark.

Screenings and clinical evaluations help determine those next steps, while peer specialists like Barnett, who is celebrating a recent engagement, brings hope for the future.

“To finally be able to see a future beyond my wildest dreams,” said Barnett, who hopes to inspire others.