This model reflects a fundamental shift in how care is delivered: prioritizing immediacy, engagement, and continuity from the very first interaction.
When someone reaches out for behavioral health support, it is often at a critical moment, when they are finally ready for change. Traditional systems, with delays between initial contact and the first appointment, have too often created a barrier. Same Day Access was developed to address this challenge by ensuring that when someone asks for help, they are seen the very same day.
How Comprehensive Healthcare Brought Same Day Access to Life
Same Day Access was built on a clear understanding of the gaps in traditional care—particularly long wait times for intake and delays in starting treatment. These barriers can lead to worsening symptoms, increased risk of crisis, and missed opportunities to address broader health needs.
To close these gaps, Comprehensive Healthcare reimagined access from the ground up. Implementation included restructuring schedules to allow for open-access hours, re-allocating staff resources, and developing workflows that support real-time engagement. Dedicated intake specialists were trained to assess and connect individuals to services quickly, while contingency staffing plans ensure the organization can meet fluctuations in demand.
The model also brought about a cultural shift. Access to care became a shared responsibility across the organization. From client services representatives to clinicians and care coordinators, every team plays a role in ensuring each individual’s experience is a smooth and supportive entry into the services they need.
Core Components of the Model
Several key elements make Same Day Access effective:
- Open-access hours that eliminate the need to wait for scheduled intake appointments
- Dedicated intake staff who can quickly assess needs and initiate care
- A “no wrong door” approach, ensuring individuals are guided to the right services regardless of where they enter
- Streamlined workflows that reduce administrative barriers and prioritize the client’s experience
- Flexible staffing models that maintain access even during high-demand periods
“Together, these components create a system that is responsive, efficient, and centered on the individual,” says Natalie McGillen, Executive Vice President of Outpatient Services. “Same Day Access is more than a scheduling model—it’s a commitment to meeting people in their moment of need, reducing barriers to care, and building a system that truly responds to the whole person.”
Enhancing Care Through “Just-In-Time” Scheduling
A critical enhancement to Same Day Access is the integration of Just-In-Time (JIT) Scheduling. This approach allows individuals to receive timely psychiatric evaluation and medication support as needed, whether for new prescriptions, adjustments, or urgent concerns.
By removing the need to wait weeks for prescribing appointments, JIT Scheduling strengthens the overall model. It supports faster stabilization, improves clinical outcomes, and ensures that care remains aligned with each individual’s immediate needs.
The Impact So Far
Since implementation, Same Day Access has significantly improved both access and engagement. More individuals are entering care, and the ability to be seen at the time of initial contact has effectively eliminated missed intake appointments. Clients are also connecting to follow-up services more quickly, supported by expanded care coordination.
In substance use disorder services, the impact has been particularly notable, with the number of individuals served doubling within the first year.
“The growth speaks to the great need for substance use disorder treatment in our community. When an individual is suffering from addiction, often times when they finally reach out for help, they may need to wait days or even weeks before they are seen,” says Jon Schlenske, Clinical Supervisor, SUD Practice and Workforce Development. “With Same Day Access, they are able to be seen almost immediately, which provides quicker and more efficient intervention, more equitable access, and more options for on-going care. The volume of assessments that are being performed speak to the efficiency of this model and why timing is so important when treating people that are suffering from addiction.”
Overall, Same Day Access has created a more responsive system—one that reduces delays, improves continuity, and better supports individuals on their path to wellness.
When someone reaches out for care, that moment matters.
Kamran Khatri, Chief Operating Officer
Looking Ahead
Same Day Access will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the communities Comprehensive Healthcare serves. Future priorities include expanding hours, strengthening partnerships with community resources, and enhancing care coordination to support ongoing engagement.
There are also opportunities to further integrate services across our continuum of care, ensuring not only rapid access when clients are ready, but timely follow-up and whole-person support throughout the entire care journey.
“When someone reaches out for care, that moment matters,” states Kamran Khatri, Chief Operating Officer. “Same Day Access ensures we don’t miss the opportunity to engage when they need us most.”
Same Day Access represents Comprehensive Healthcare’s commitment to meeting individuals where they are, at the moment when it really matters.
Same Day Access is available at any Comprehensive Healthcare Outpatient location.
Hours for Mental Health Assessments: M-F, 7:30 AM – 3 PM.
Hours for SUD Assessments: M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Natalie McGillen
Executive Vice President of Outpatient Services
Jon Schlenske
Clinical Supervisor of SUD Practice and Workforce Development
