SHFT Behavioral Health is the first urgent care clinic in Chicago for young people facing mental health crises. It caters to kids from as young as 10 up to adults aged 30.
The clinic aims to tackle a significant issue: the lack of immediate mental health care. There’s no waiting for appointments here. “We are here for people to walk in or call when they need help in a time of crisis,” said Holley Brandchaft-White, cofounder and clinical director. She emphasizes that a crisis can look different for everyone and that SHFT is here to support them all.
Walking into SHFT feels different—it’s designed to be calm and human, not chaotic. There’s no lengthy intake process. Instead, clients can see a professional right away. “We offer services from crisis assessments to routine care and therapy,” explained Genia Yovankin, cofounder and COO. They also have “onetime chats,” where anyone can talk to a licensed professional without a long-term commitment.
Brandchaft-White, with 10 years of experience in emergency departments, saw that many people needing mental health help ended up in emergency rooms. “About 70% of those visits lead to outpatient therapy,” she said. This highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated space for immediate care.
SHFT serves a wide age range, including preteens, teens, young adults, and families. “We’re here to support parents, too,” said Yovankin, recognizing the importance of family involvement.
Both cofounders are passionate about helping young people. Brandchaft-White has worked across various backgrounds for over a decade, while Yovankin previously started an intensive outpatient program for teens in Chicago. “We want to support individuals during crucial life changes,” Yovankin added.
The clinic operates on a direct-pay model, aiming to simplify the payment process and reduce paperwork. They provide superbills so patients can seek reimbursement from their insurance.
Located at 730 N. Franklin St., Suite 510, in Chicago’s River North district, SHFT opened its doors recently. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of mental health needs, especially among younger populations. As stated by a recent report from the National Institute of Mental Health, around 1 in 5 youth aged 13-18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness. This highlights the importance of accessible, immediate care like that offered at SHFT.
For more information, visit the SHFT website or call 312-757-1001.
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Mental Health
