SUNY Upstate Hospital Receiving A New Youth Health Unit: SUNY College Hospital to Open Behavioral Health Unit

A new biobehavioral health unit is coming at SUNY Upstate Hospital in Syracuse,
New York.
The unit will be the first of its kind in the entire state and is dedicated to supporting children and teens with mental health and developmental needs.
Officially being launched on November 6th, the facility will open its doors to provide necessary resources for families facing mental health crises with their children.
Serving children from the ages of 5 to 17, the unit will specialize in various mental health issues. These include autism spectrum disorders, depression and anxiety. Dr. Henry Roane, the Executive Director of the Golisano Center for Special Needs, highlights the center’s unique approach stating, “When the children are here, they
receive a combination of psychiatric and behavioral healthcare services.”
An average stay will be around six weeks. During these weeks, patients will be
receiving comprehensive, around-the-clock care to guarantee their needs are met.
The unit is located on the third floor of SUNY Upstate’s hospital. It has 11 inpatient beds in therapeutically designed multi-sensory rooms to promote relaxation. “These spaces are crucial for children with autism to thrive in therapy,” Roane states. Previously, families often traveled five hours or more for similar care. This additional journey only added to their emotional burdens. When the unit officially opens, families can access these crucial services within their community.
SUNY Upstate President, Dr. Mantosh Dewan, reinforced the hospital’s commitment to our community’s well-being stating, “Our children need this, and Upstate must provide the highest level of care right here,” as per LocalSYR.com.
It should also be noted that the center will engage families in the therapeutic
process to teach them how to give their children lasting support.
As mental health struggles continue to rise, this new facility offers hope and healing, demonstrating that help is available for those who need it most.