When it comes to mental health, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Mental health crises often disproportionately affect youth and young adults, but available treatment options are ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
Holley Brandchaft-White, a licensed clinical social worker, and Genia Yovankin, cofounder of Greywood Health Center, sought to solve this dilemma through SHFT Behavioral Health.
SHFT Behavioral Health is Chicago’s first mental health urgent care center for youth and young adults, and is rapidly changing the mental health landscape for individuals in need.
Founding Chicago’s first urgent care for young people
Brandchaft-White, co-founder and clinic director, previously spent 10 years working within emergency rooms. Her experience revealed that many people undergoing mental health crises visit emergency rooms as a last resort, yet still receive inadequate care.
Knowing that these patients were still in need of help, she set out to begin a program that specifically targeted young, at-risk populations.
Yovankin, who has already contributed to establishing intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs within Chicago, shared the same vision for local residents.
Together, they created SHFT Behavioral Health and are bringing a new level of care to previously underserved and overlooked patients.
What is SHFT Behavioral Health?
Prioritizing care for patients ages 10 to 30, SHFT serves a demographic traditionally experiencing major growth and change. Offering a variety of services, the clinic offers crisis assessment, routine care, routine therapy and medication management.
For patients who don’t want the full commitment of a counseling session or are unsure of their needs, patients can elect a one-time 30-60-minute chat with a licensed clinician to discuss support resources.
Operating through the belief that mental health care should be approachable and accessible for all, SHFT accepts walk-ins and scheduled appointments seven days a week.
By partnering with local schools, colleges and community providers, SHFT Behavioral Health is bridging the gap between traditional therapy and crisis care. Whether patients need immediate on-the-spot care or are seeking ongoing scheduled support, youth and young adults can receive personalized expert care.
Receive urgent mental health care in Chicago
To book an appointment, visit their scheduling portal or stop by in person at 730 N. Franklin St., Suite 510, Chicago, to receive immediate care.
As an out-of-network provider, SHFT provides a superbill after each appointment. This receipt can be given to your insurance provider for financial records or potential reimbursement.
