Chesterfield families now have a primary care clinic inside their local YMCA — and they don't need a membership to walk in.

SSM Health opened a 5,000-square-foot clinic inside the Chesterfield Family YMCA at 16464 Burkhardt Place in late January, with a formal ribbon cutting held March 5. SSM Health describes the co-location as the first partnership of its kind between a health system and a YMCA in Missouri.

"Health and wellness are not separate entities," said Dr. Mitchell Etling, a primary care physician at the clinic, who called the setup a natural fit.

The clinic offers primary and family medicine for all ages, along with behavioral health, lab services, nutrition support, and social work. Multiple exam rooms are equipped for patients with mobility challenges or chronic conditions. A dedicated entrance means patients don't have to navigate the YMCA to reach their appointment.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gateway Region YMCA President and CEO Tim Helm said the partnership fits the organization's broader push to reinvest in its facilities. "Bringing SSM into the mix is part of the plan," Helm said at the ribbon cutting. "Ys exist to meet community needs."

The clinic sits in Chesterfield's growing athletic corridor — the city recently approved a multi-sports complex that will add to the area's youth and recreational sports options. The clinic does not currently offer sports medicine services.