HUNTSVILLE —  WellStone is preparing to hit the road in the state’s first Mobile Mental Health Clinic, expanding access to mental health care in the community.

The customized “clinic on wheels” is expected to help thousands of Madison County children, teens, and adults overcome transportation, scheduling, and other barriers by bringing vital behavioral health care and clinical services directly to them, according to a news release.

“We are about to embark on an exciting new chapter as we launch our first mobile health service,” said WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair. “We cannot wait for this van to be deployed in the coming weeks to increase access to mental health care.”

Modified by Vandoit, a leader in custom vehicle conversions, the van is designed to be functional and welcoming, the news release said.

Clients will participate in therapy sessions in a comfortable environment. The back of the vehicle also serves as a mobile medicine dispensing unit, providing clients with safe access to psychiatric medications.

Technology provided by Netsmart ensures client records remain secure and up to date, even on the road.

Initially, WellStone will roll out the Mobile Mental Health Clinic to First Stop and the Downtown Rescue Mission. After a few months, administrators will assess the need and determine if a second van is warranted, the news release said.

The unit was made possible through a grant from the Huntsville Hospital’s Community Health Initiative and other philanthropic support.