Patient Care

What to Do if You Need Mental Health Help Now

Jun. 30, 2025

Online Mental Health Services: When You Can’t Wait

When a mental health crisis strikes, time matters. Thanks to UR Medicine’s online mental health services, you get instant access to expert mental healthcare at home, at work, or on the go. Our licensed mental health professionals have experience and expertise in crisis intervention. They’re available to help you work through difficult situations with open-minded compassion.

Accessing Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care

virtual mental health urgent care

UR Medicine’s online mental health services provide virtual mental health urgent care.

If you have a phone, computer, or tablet capable of making video calls, you can reach one of our caring behavioral health professionals.

If you are in crisis, call our Mental Health Crisis Call Line at (585) 275-8686. No matter where you are or what time it is, a mental health professional answers your crisis call and helps walk you through whatever difficulty you’re facing.

When to Visit Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care

There are many situations when online mental health services are a good option. Here are a few reasons to consider virtual care:

  • You can’t leave home. You can access virtual mental healthcare in the comfort of your home. With a simple phone call, you can connect with a mental health professional without leaving your couch.

Listen to the Latest

Dr. Michael Scharf and Carrie Meeks joined WDKX to talk about the Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care and what to expect during a visit.

Listen Now

  • You’re on the go. No matter where you need care for your mind, you can get it. From the sports field to the office to the car, better mental health is a phone call away.

Who Can Use Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care?

Anyone facing an urgent mental health issue can benefit from online mental health services. You may consider UR Medicine for virtual mental healthcare if you are:

  • Experiencing mood swings that come on quickly
  • Facing anxiety or panic attacks
  • Feeling suspicious or paranoid toward other people
  • Having difficulty performing ordinary daily tasks
  • Hearing voices that no one else hears or otherwise losing touch with reality
  • Shunning friends and family in an effort to self-isolate

In addition to on-the-spot mental healthcare, virtual therapy prepares you for the future. Your phone-based crisis counselor teaches you about local resources and services that can meet your specific needs after you hang up the phone.

Other Emergency Mental Health Services

Online mental health services aren’t the only way UR Medicine meets your mental health needs. Other vital services offered in your hour of need include:

  • Mental healthcare in your home. With our Mobile Crisis Team, a mental health expert visits you at home, work, or anywhere else inside Monroe County. The Mobile Crisis Team also provides follow-up care.

When to Seek Other Mental Health Services

Sometimes, you need care beyond online mental health services. Call 911 if you or someone you love experiences the following:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Overdoses
  • Violence against self or others
  • Life-threatening situations


Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care

If you’re not able to be seen at your clinician's office, Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care is a quick and convenient way to get telemedicine care from anywhere.

Get Started