SCHENECTADY, NY (WRGB) — Northern Rivers in Schenectady has announced a groundbreaking transitional mental health program aimed at helping teens in mental health crisis. The initiative, supported by New York State Sen. Pat Fahy, is part of a broader effort to expand mental health services across the state. Bill Gettman, CEO of Northern Rivers Family Services, explained that the “Hospital to Home” program is designed to move teens from emergency rooms to centers where they can stay until they are ready to return home.
“This is a way to help hospitals get kids out of their emergency departments, help families prepare themselves for their kids and help kids be successful,” Gettman said.
The program, which can accommodate up to 16 youths aged 11 to 17, allows teens to stay for up to 120 days, serving them until their 19th birthday. The center is now accepting referrals and plans to open its doors in January, with funding from the Office of Mental Health…