Press Release

Walk-in mental health and a transformative impact for adolescents

Thursday, December 19, 2024

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – As the holiday season brings heightened emotional and mental health challenges for many, Ellis Medicine highlights the success of its Family Room, a walk-in mental health center for adolescents and teens. Open for nine months, the Family Room has emerged as a vital resource for youths aged 10 to 17 and their families, addressing mental health crises in a warm, non-clinical setting.

Transformative Impact in First Nine Months

• Emergency Room Diversion: 85% of visitors avoided an ER trip, saving an estimated $360,000 in healthcare costs.
   
• Rapid Support: Guests spent an average of 90 minutes in the Family Room, less time than typical ER visits.
   
• Emotional Relief: Guests reported a 32% decrease in emotional distress after their visits, based on self-assessments.
   
• High-Need Population: 63% of visitors presented with self-harm or suicidal ideation, underscoring the urgency of the Family Room's services.
   
• Ongoing Support: The Family Room connected 41% of visitors to outpatient mental health services for continued care.
   

Paul Milton, President & CEO of Ellis Medicine, said, "The Family Room continues to have great potential in how we address the mental health needs of our community's young people. Especially during the holidays, when emotional stress often peaks, having a safe, welcoming place can make all the difference for families in crisis."

A First-of-Its-Kind Approach in New York State

Located at Ellis Medicine’s State Street Health Center, 1023 State St., Schenectady, the Family Room offers a unique alternative to the Emergency Room. Designed to provide a calming environment, it includes cozy furniture and soft lighting. Guests receive immediate support from social workers, peer counselors, and case managers, and leave with resources and referrals tailored to their needs.

"By reducing ER visits and connecting families with ongoing care, the Family Room not only addresses immediate crises but also helps build resilience and fosters long-term mental well-being," said Tori Daniels, Outpatient Crisis Diversion Supervisor for Ellis’ Family Room and Living Room programs.

The Family Room builds on the proven success of The Living Room, Ellis Medicine’s walk-in mental health crisis program for adults, which opened in 2018. Over six years, The Living Room has maintained a remarkable 98% Emergency Room diversion rate, providing thousands of individuals with a safe, welcoming space to address their mental health needs without requiring a hospital visit. The program, also located at 1023 State St., has become an essential element in Ellis Medicine’s commitment to innovative mental health care, connecting guests to resources and empowering them to develop coping skills, manage medications, and improve emotional well-being.

Ellis Medicine thanks its community partners, including the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and The Little Family Foundation, and The Schenectady Foundation for their generous support in making the Family Room a reality. The program's success reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to mental health services in the Capital Region.

As The Family Room approaches its first anniversary, Ellis Medicine is seeking additional support to sustain and expand its services beyond the initial start-up period. To donate, visit www.ellismedicinefoundation.org.

 

The Family Room

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 518.831.8700

The Living Room

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 518.243.1523

The Ellis Crisis Information and Referral Hotline is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Call 518.243.4000 and ask to speak to a crisis worker.

Click here for more information on Ellis Medicine's mental health programs

 

Ellis Medicine | Newsroom

Ellis Medicine Media Inquiries

Media inquiries should be directed to the Communications Department at Ellis Medicine. The Communications Department is open and staffed Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The department can be reached by phone at 518.232.9288. If you leave a message your call will typically be returned within 24 hours.

All official communications regarding Ellis Medicine are arranged through the Communications Department. We look forward to working with members of the public and media organizations to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Ellis Medicine.

Contact:

Communications
Ellis Medicine
1101 Nott Street
Schenectady, NY 12308
518.232.9288