Parents and families who need assistance guiding their children, teens, and young adults through emotional or mental health issues now have a new option for care. Upstate Medical University opened the doors to an after-hours Behavioral Health Center on Wednesday. The facility has waiting areas with colorful décor and circular ceiling lights. Medical director Dr. James Demer said it sets the tone for patient quality of care.
“What this center is going to do is provide them with connection where they can connect with an empathic, trained professional and help them to sort through what alternatives and choices they have, so they don’t feel cornered by their emotions and then don’t do desperate or unsafe things as a result.”
The behavioral center gives parents an alternative to bringing their kids to a specialized facility reserved for behavioral and mental health issues, rather than an emergency room. Kimberly and John Mezzalingua donated $5 million dollars. She has long been a champion for behavioral and mental health and sees the center positively impacting many families.
“There is crisis but, there are behavioral issues that manifest. It could be something else. And an emergency room is not where they should be," said Mezzalingua. "They need to be triaged, evaluated appropriately and they need to be pointed in the right direction.”
Upstate’s Behavioral Health Center is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm with after-hours reserved for children and families. SUNY Upstate is a supporter of WAER.
