Like many people, Brendan Reilley and Tina Ithier have struggled with mental illness in the past.

Now, both are peer counselors at two urgent care centers focused on substance abuse and mental health. These centers are the first of their kind in the region.

Access Supports for Living has two urgent care locations in Middletown and Newburgh.

"Regular urgent care is something you go to for medical [reasons like] cuts, scrapes, [and] bruises. [The urgent care] at Access Support for Living is different [in] dealing with behavior health," Ithier said.

If a patient in crisis walks in, they are greeted by a peer counselor and taken back to what they call a living room, which is a relaxing space for them to calm down and unwind before they register for help services.

"There's a certain kind of dignity that you feel when you walk into a space that feels welcoming and homey, as opposed to a space that feels clinical and medical," said John Bennett, Access Supports for Living director of behavioral health. 

Access Supports for Living received a $4 million federal grant that will pay for any charges not covered by insurance. That means a person's ability to pay will not stop them from getting help. 

The urgent cares are not just a short-term solution. They serve as a place to start and then be connected to long-term care. Whether that's at Access Supports for Living or somewhere else, they provide the avenues for people to take to get help.

"To me, if I would have had this years ago when I was going through it, it would have been so much better for me," Ithier said.

"It would have helped me out considerably. You know, going to a hospital is not a fun experience; even an inpatient substance abuse rehab isn't always the nicest place — which is where I spent most of my inpatient time," Reilley said.

The urgent care locations are open seven days a week.