Albany County plans to shut down its Children’s Mental Health Clinic due to ongoing staffing challenges, the New York State Office of Mental Health confirmed Thursday.
The clinic, located on South Pearl Street, has been in operation since 2004 and provides emergency services for children aged 5 to 18. Services include scheduled appointments, therapy evaluations, outpatient treatment, consultations, and medication management with prescriptions.
Staffing Crisis Forces Clinic Closure
By mid-December, the clinic had been reduced to one part-time staff member assisting just three families. The county notified the Office of Mental Health last year of its intention to proceed with the closure. The clinic is currently not accepting new patients, according to the Times Union.
The Office of Mental Health has offered assistance with recruitment efforts and stated it will collaborate with the county to ensure families do not experience a disruption in care. County representatives have not responded to requests for comment. Officials have indicated that alternative resources and referrals will be provided to affected families during the transition period.…