Expansion Of Mental Health Services Will Assist Those In Crisis
Kingston, N.Y. – County Executive Mike Hein announces that Ulster County’s Mobile Mental Health Team is now available to assist County residents, school districts, police, ambulance personnel and other first responders as they respond to mental health crisis issues. Service will be available 365 days a year from 1pm-11pm to individuals in need. The team can respond to homes, schools, and other locations. To contact the Mobile Mental Health Team please call 844-277-4820 or dial 911 in the event of an emergency.
“My Administration has worked diligently to ensure this critical service is available to our residents and is the first of its kind in Ulster County,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “The Mobile Mental Health Team will provide quality care for those in crisis and can link individuals and their families to behavioral health services within the County. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s funding, we can provide these important essential services which in turn will lessen the burden on hospital emergency rooms and decrease psychiatric hospitalizations.”
The team will initially operate in the Kingston, Saugerties, New Paltz and Woodstock region with plans to expand to the rest of the County in the Spring.
Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan, Commissioner, New York State Office of Mental Health
“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the New York State Office of Mental Health is pleased to provide $700,000 for the creation of Ulster County’s first mobile mental health team. With expanded community-based services being developed throughout the State, New York’s mental health system is becoming stronger, more accessible, and more comprehensive than ever before. This team will enable Ulster County to provide excellent mental health services to individuals and families in crisis, wherever and whenever they are required.” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan.
Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health
Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health said, “The County Executive’s support has been instrumental in making this important new service a reality. The Mobile Mental Health Team will provide face to face clinical help and assessment to any individual in need and will provide services including assessment and psychiatric evaluation, crisis intervention, counseling, and information and referrals to appropriate community based mental health services for treatment. The team’s goal is to keep distressed adults, adolescents, and children in their community while assuring their safety and the safety of those around them.”
Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President and Chief Executive Officer of Access: Supports for Living Inc.
“Access: Supports for Living is so pleased to be selected to provide the essential mobile mental health services to the residents of Ulster County,” said Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President and Chief Executive Officer of Access: Supports for Living Inc. “We look forward to working with the County and the hospital and community providers to ensure safe and healthy alternatives for individuals and families in emotional distress.”
The Mobile Mental Health Team will have a medical director on call and will provide face to face clinical assessment, determine the need for psychiatric evaluation and facilitate referrals to community services. To contact the Ulster County Mobile Mental Health Team call 844-277-4820 or dial 911 in the event of an emergency. Services will be available 365 days a year from 1pm-11pm.
Pictured below: County Executive Mike Hein is joined by (from Left): Amy McCracken, Ulster County Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health; Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commmissioner of Health and Mental Health, Amy Anderson-Winchell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Access: Supports for Living Inc.; and Patricia Tuber Assistant Director of Access: Supports for Living Inc.
