SCHENECTADY, NY — A first-of-its-kind youth mental health center opened its doors in Schenectady on Tuesday.
The Family Room as it's called is a groundbreaking behavioral health center for youth ages 10 to 17.
The center is operated similarly to urgent care for those on the verge of a mental health emergency.
No appointments are needed for the Family Room; Ellis Hospital reps say the idea is to provide an alternate option to the emergency room.
"“We call it the family room because the inviting home-like setting can play an important role in helping de-escalate a person in crisis,” said Paul Milton, President and CEO of Ellis Hospital. “Lastly, the vision of the family room is about removing barriers to mental health care."
To help continue breaking barriers, staff are ensuring there are no out-of-pocket costs and connecting individuals with additional support services.
The center was modeled after the hospital's successful behavioral health center the Living Room which is designed for adults; that center opened its doors in 2018.
Multiple organizations and businesses helped fund the project including, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation which donated more than $700,000. The Golub Foundation, the NAMI Capital Region chapter, The NYS Office of Mental Health, CDPHP, and the Little Foundation.
Watch the full story: here