Behavioral health urgent care coming to Johnston County
A provider is bringing virtual behavioral health urgent care to Johnston County residents.
Urgent care for people in mental health crises is coming soon to Johnston County.
Willow Behavioral Health CEO Lauren Morrell says her company’s virtual care fills the gap between inpatient and outpatient treatment. “We are caring for patients who fall into this gap,” she told County Commissioners on May 4. “They are not necessarily appropriate for outpatient care. They need something more urgent; they need more intensive support.”
Virtual urgent care is an alternative to where people in crisis often find themselves, Morrell said. “Their only other option would be the emergency room, and that’s not necessarily the best option,” she said. “If you’re in the emergency room, you can really be there for an extended period of time.”
Arriving next month
Willow Health will begin offering virtual care in Johnston County in June.
Anyone in crisis with a connected device — smartphone, computer, tablet — will be able to click on a link for a 90-minute assessment with a psychiatrist. If needed, that doctor will refer the person to a higher level of care, such as hospitalization.
But for people for whom virtual treatment is appropriate, Willow Health will provide personalized intensive crisis care, including unlimited clinical visits.
“We know it’s not just that one event,” Morrell said. “It’s important to be seen upfront for urgent care, but it’s also important that you have that ongoing support.”
A slide in Morrell’s presentation to commissioners told the story of Olivia. “This is a real patient we have worked with,” she said.
In crisis, Olivia called 988, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which determined that she needed support but was not an immediate risk to herself or others. Instead, 988 referred her to Willow Health and its virtual care.
A therapist and medical doctor put Olivia on a new medication plan to help manage her symptoms. Doctors checked her medication once a week, and she underwent psychotherapy twice a week.
Importantly, care was available 24/7. “She had some medication side effects, called us in the middle of the night on a Saturday, and we were able to adjust her medications and avoid a potential trip to the emergency room, which is expensive and also traumatic,” Morrell said.
Because her care was virtual, Olivia, a student, was able to continue going to classes. And because she was able to remain in school, she committed to her care, Morrell said.
“After five weeks, her depression score reduced from severe to moderate,” Morrell told Commissioners. “She was no longer experiencing symptoms of psychosis, and we were able to transition her to ongoing care.
“This is really an example of what we look to do.”
A welcome service
Commissioners welcomed Willow’s upcoming debut in Johnston, as well as its pledge to open a physical location providing virtual care for people without personal devices.
“This allows us to get people the help they need where they are,” said Commissioner Patrick Harris, the Board’s chairman. “I think this is a really good step in the right direction.”
To learn more about Willow Health, go to willowbehavioralhealth.com. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988.
Page last updated on: May 14, 2026