The Institute for Family Health Announces Expansion of Mental Health Services to 365 Days a Year

Kingston, NY (October 27, 2015) – The Institute for Family Health hosted a reception celebrating the expansion of its mental health services to 365 days per year at its Kingston, Harlem and Union Square locations. The event, held at the Institute’s Kingston Family Health Center, was attended by Institute staff and many Mid-Hudson Valley health and social services providers.

Dr. Neil Calman, President and CEO of the Institute for Family Health, discussed the importance of creating access to services based on the needs of patients.  “We are committed to providing a full spectrum of services, 365 days a year – that means seven days a week, including evenings, weekends and especially holidays, which are often very stressful times.”  He thanked Dr. Virna Little, the Institute’s senior vice president for psychosocial services, for her vision and effort to develop these services, and acknowledged all of the staff for their commitment to their patients.

The Institute’s mental health services are available to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Services include individual, family and group counseling; medication therapy and management; psychiatric consultations; and access to mental health education and wellness groups.

Dr. Little said, “I have wanted to do this for the longest time – to be open 365 days a year, and to invite people to call us and come in, whatever is going on for them at the moment.  We will see all comers, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, and utilize phone intake and fast-track referrals when needed.  I truly believe it will keep people out of the emergency rooms and out of the hospital.”  Dr. Little also thanked key partners in the community – the Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley, Family of Woodstock, Westchester Medical Center, and all of the members of the Institute-led Ulster County Health Home.

365-days-per-year mental health services will be available to patients at three Institute sites (Kingston, Harlem and Union Square), from 8 am – 8pm daily. Individuals seeking services for themselves or others can contact the Kingston location at (845) 338-2562, the Harlem location at (212) 423-4200 or the Union Square location at 212-206-5200. Most other Institute locations offer mental health services as well: visit https://institute.org/health-care/locations for a complete list.