In
2023 United Helpers Behavioral Health programs provided service to more than
1,300 unique people through a variety of offerings that treat people in their
homes, at our clinics, in an apartment owned by United Helpers, or even at
school.
That
number has steadily increased since 1991 when Gateway Apartments opened
becoming the organization’s first behavioral health program. Today United
Helpers also offers care coordination, supportive housing, Assertive Community
Treatment, and outpatient treatment at one of two clinics, located in either
Canton or Ogdensburg.
All
of these programs and more were recently celebrated with the grand opening of
the United Helpers Behavioral Health Clinic in Ogdensburg, which earlier this
year, relocated from its original home at 221 Hamilton Street to the former
United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Building at 8101 State Highway
68, just outside the city.
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention roughly 40% of Americans at
any given time would benefit from mental services of some sort.
“In
St. Lawrence County, 40% is equal to almost 44,000 people,” said Director of
Behavioral Health Services David K. Nelson. “There is a tremendous need for
these services in our community and this moves helps us streamline that process
of provide these services to more people than ever before.”
With
the exception of Gateway Apartments, the clinic and Canton and several newly
opened satellite clinics at the Madrid-Waddington, Colton-Pierrepont,
Edwards-Knox, and Parishville-Hopkinton school districts, these services are
now all located under one roof.
In
addition to the services provided at these satellite clinics, Mr. Nelson said nearly
one-third of the roughly 900 patients receiving services at either the Canton
or Ogdensburg clinic are under the age of 18.
In
Ogdensburg, those patients now have their own designated waiting area, just one
of the benefits that came with the move.
Outlining
each of the services provided out of this new locations, Mr. Nelson noted that
the supportive housing program was able to provide aid to nearly 100 people
last year. The care coordination program served almost 300 people across St.
Lawrence and Jefferson counties and the Assertive Community Treatment Team has
provided services to a full case load of 48 individuals.
When
all of those numbers are added up, Mr. Nelson said that equals out to be nearly
24,000 patient contacts, a number that he said isn’t going to get lower anytime
soon.
While
many of the programs are referral-based programs, Mr. Nelson said anyone in
need of behavioral health services is encouraged to contact either the clinic
in Canton or Ogdensburg.
Both
clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with early morning or evening
appointments available upon request. To schedule an appointment in Ogdensburg,
please call (315) 541-3042. For an appointment in Canton, please call (315)
386-0264.
Patrons
receiving services in Ogdensburg are asked to enter the building through its
main entrance on the back side of the property by the flagpole. Guests will be
greeted upon entry and accompanied to the clinic space.
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All things behavioral health were celebrated
at a recent grand opening celebration for the United Helpers Behavioral Health
Complex, which has moved into the former Rehabilitation and Senior Care space.
The building houses many of United Helpers’ behavioral health programs,
including its Ogdensburg Behavioral Health Clinic. Front row, from left, Kurtis
Ellison, LMSW, Practice Manager Sarah Matthie, Director of Behavioral Health
Services David K. Nelson, Care Coordination Program Leader Audrey Plourde,
Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services Breanne Snyder, Society Board
Member Yvonne Lewandowski; second row, Clinical Supervisor Jeanine Forrester,
LCSW, ACT Team Assistant Program Leader April Randall, Financial Assistant
Alice Van Schiack, Vice President of Corporate Services Michelle Matthews; back
row, Interim City Manager Andrea Smith, CEO Todd Amo, ACT Team Leader Amy
Chisolm, Care Coordination Assistant Program Leader Kaitlyn Rayburn, CFO Kelly
Lowery, Mayor Michael Tooley, and Director of Facility Operations Rick Pirie.
