Newport mental health urgent care expands to 24-hour weekday service

NEWPORT — Northeast Kingdom Human Services has expanded its Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care program to provide round-the-clock coverage on weekdays, marking a significant expansion of mental health crisis services in the region.

The Newport facility, located at 235 Lakemont Road, previously operated 16 hours daily. The expanded schedule now offers 24-hour service Monday through Friday, with Saturday coverage until 11 p.m. and Sunday hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“Finding stability starts with feeling safe,” said NKHS Executive Director Kelsey Stavseth. “Thanks to our amazing staff and the Newport community, we’ve created a space where people can come without hesitation.”

The walk-in facility provides free mental health and substance use care for adults and families in crisis, offering peer support, therapy services, and integrated treatment options. No appointments are required.

The expansion aligns with the Department of Mental Health’s broader initiative to build a comprehensive crisis response system, which includes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Mobile Crisis teams.

“Mental health crises don’t stick to a schedule,” said DMH Commissioner Emily Hawes. “Expanding the availability of services is an important step toward reaching more Vermonters when they need it.”