Mental health difficulties rarely begin as emergencies. More often, they develop gradually through persistent anxiety, overwhelming stress, poor sleep, burnout, low mood, or a growing sense that everyday life has become harder to manage. Yet many people delay seeking help, uncertain where to turn or discouraged by lengthy waiting times.
Galway Urgent Mental Health Care Clinic was established to offer a different approach. As Ireland’s first urgent care mental health clinic, it provides timely assessment and urgent mental health care for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties in a private, calm, and confidential setting. It is not a psychiatric clinic, but an urgent care clinic led by an urgent care physician experienced in mental health, providing rapid access to urgent mental health care when it is needed most.
Early intervention can make a meaningful difference. Rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, patients can access prompt assessment, treatment, prescriptions where appropriate, personalised care planning, referral to specialist psychiatric services when required, and communication with their GP to ensure continuity of care. For those already under the care of public mental health services, the clinic also liaises directly with community mental health teams to support continuity of care.
Led by Dr Faraz Khan, an urgent care physician with 10 years of experience in mental health, the clinic provides an accessible pathway for those seeking urgent mental health care without unnecessary delay.
No one should feel they have to struggle alone while waiting for support. When mental health begins to affect your daily life, timely intervention can help restore confidence, clarity, and direction.
If you have engaged in self-harm or intend to harm yourself, attend your nearest emergency department immediately or call 112 or 999.
For more information, call 089 431 3613, email [email protected], or visit www.fckinnovations.ie/galway-urgent-mental-health-care
