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A new mental health center for children is set to open soon in Kingston. Operated by the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, the Children's Way Counseling Center will be located at the Ulster County Center for Well-Being on Broadway. The center will offer a variety of mental health services, including diagnostic assessments, therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention for children, adolescents, and their families.
According to Ulster County officials, the center will collaborate with school-based mental health services and the Ulster County Crisis Support Center to provide comprehensive care. The center is expected to open by early summer and aims to serve up to 115 children and families in its first year, with plans to expand in the coming years.
The project has received $730,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to cover startup costs for the first two years. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the importance of addressing children's mental health needs, stating, "Children today are dealing with unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress." The center will work to provide early intervention and empower families, ensuring that every child has access to the support they need to thrive.
Walter J. Joseph, executive director of the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, expressed excitement about the new center, stating that it represents a vital step forward in meeting the mental health needs of local youth. The center is expected to become self-sustaining after the initial funding period.