Bridging the gap in mental health care: How the M Health Fairview Transition Clinic offers immediate support in times of crisis
When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, waiting weeks for an appointment isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. That’s why the M Health Fairview Transition Clinic exists: to provide rapid, trauma-informed care for individuals five years and older who need help now.
The Transition Clinic is designed to help people stabilize after a crisis and support them until they can access longer-term care tailored to their needs. Whether it’s goal setting, skill building, coping strategies, or medication management, the clinic’s team steps in with compassion and expertise.
“Our goal is to increase access, remove barriers, and make services more readily available,” said Joel Bershok, MSW, LICSW, clinical supervisor for the Telemedicine and Transitions Clinic teams.
A critical bridge between crisis and care
Research shows that the gold standard for post-crisis care is seeing a therapist within 72 hours of leaving the emergency room. But in reality, that next step isn’t always available. The Transition Clinic fills this gap, offering short-term care to help people feel better, so that when longer term care is available, they’re ready.
Before someone can begin unpacking trauma or working through long-standing emotional pain, they need to feel safe and stable. As Bershok explained, “Sometimes in crisis, the skill isn’t opening the trauma box—it’s putting another latch on it.” The clinic helps individuals build strength so that when they do begin deeper therapeutic work, they’re doing so from a place of strength, not crisis.
More than mental health: Support for life’s abrupt changes
The Transition Clinic isn’t just for those with diagnosed mental illnesses. It also supports people facing sudden life changes, such as after a heart attack or unexpected loss. These events can trigger situational mental health challenges that, if left unaddressed, may evolve into chronic conditions.
“It’s about proactively giving people the support they need so they don’t slide into chronic depression,” said Tracy Hinz, LICSW, manager of outpatient behavioral pro-fee services with M Health Fairview.
Supporting the whole family
Mental health crises often ripple through entire families. The clinic recognizes this and offers empathetic listening and support not just to patients, but also to caregivers and loved ones. While the focus remains on the patient, the team ensures that natural support systems are acknowledged and cared for.
Rethinking traditional models of care
A goal of the Transition Clinic team is to meet people where they are. The question isn’t whether someone qualifies for care—it’s how the clinic can help. Sometimes that takes flexibility and creativity on the care team’s part.
The team isn't bound to the usual outpatient model of one-hour weekly sessions. If someone needs daily check-ins for 15 to 20 minutes, and there’s a medical necessity, the team makes it happen.
“If someone isn’t successful in traditional services, maybe it’s not the patient—it’s how we’re offering care,” Hinz said.
How can the Transition Clinic help?
If you need help, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or call our team between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 763-210-4700.
The Transition Clinic is located at the Fairview Community Health & Wellness Hub, 45 W 10th Street in Saint Paul. Services are also available virtually.
