Finding Us: This 24-hour mental health urgent care center is on 69th Street, right inside the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital on the ground floor. The main entrance to our facility can be found on Beal Avenue. Free parking is available next to the building.
When you don’t know what to do or where to go for immediate psychiatric help, come to Avera Behavioral Health Hospital with 24-hour, walk-in access to urgent care for behavioral health needs. A professional team of certified mental health counselors, nurses and technicians make up our caring staff. Urgent care is available with walk-in access for evenings, weekends and whenever you need us.
Outside Sioux Falls: Visit your nearest emergency department or call 800-691-4336.
What to Expect
Arriving at Urgent Care
New patients upon arrival can expect to:
- Check in with reception to complete the initial paperwork.
- Meet with a nurse, assessment counselor and advanced practice provider to complete a private evaluation.
- Once evaluated, the assessment team will determine the best next level of care including several options like outpatient psychiatry, counseling, partial hospitalization or inpatient hospitalization.
- If inpatient admission to the hospital is the best next step, a safety check will take place to ensure nothing disallowed comes into the patient units, such as tobacco or anything that could threaten a life.
- Patients will be brought to their private rooms in the building wings separated by gender.
- Rooms include a twin bed, private bathroom with shower and sink, desk, chair and wardrobe storage. Towels and linens will be provided.
- Patients receive three meals a day in a group dining space. Mealtimes for breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in a routine of scheduled classes, therapy, treatments and activities to provide day-to-day structure.
- Evening routines are less structured for residents to have free time, watch television and unwind with activities that bring enjoyment, such as board games, puzzles and books.
- Visitation with loved ones is encouraged in the evenings after dinner.
24-Hour Observation Care
Facing a mental health emergency is different for everyone. That’s why we complete a full evaluation for every patient to determine the best level of care. 24-hour observation care provides a safe place for people to stabilize. Not every patient facing a behavioral health challenge needs to stay the night. This space allows for a time of safety response planning and evaluation of symptoms while under professional supervision.
Identifying a Mental Health Crisis
Look for these warning signs of behavior that can show a developing problem. We offer confidential evaluations for suicide risk, depression and anxiety to determine the best course of treatment. Call the Avera Behavioral Health Urgent Care line at 605-322-4065 for a private assessment.
Warning signs:
- Acting withdrawn, sad or overly anxious
- Extreme difficulty interacting with friends and/or siblings
- Substantial mood swings
- Persistent drop in school or work performance
- Change in sleeping and/or eating patterns
- Increased or persistent use of alcohol or drugs
- Persistent aggressive behavior
- Threats to self or others
- Hallucinations, paranoia or delusion
Department of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
