Grand Opening Celebrated at United Helpers Behavioral Health Complex

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. 

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.

United Helpers Receives $611K Grant To Expand Behavioral Health Services

CANTON – As part of the Village of Canton’s $1,186,974 Community Development Block Grant, United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills will receive more than $600,000 to help the organization expand its reach in the community.

United Helpers will specifically receive $611,974, which will be used to hire six new mental health clinicians and six new care coordinators.

Director of Behavioral Health Services David K. Nelson noted that more than 60% of the patients receiving mental health services through United Helpers do so from its Canton location, located at 22 State Highway 310. United Helpers also operates a Behavioral Health Clinic at 221 Hamilton Street in Ogdensburg. 

“Since 2019, we have built and grown mental health services in Canton, currently serving the community with four full-time clinicians and a part-time psychiatric nurse practitioner, who provides care for six hours each week,” Mr. Nelson said. “Presently, we receive as many as 50 referrals each month and have a wait list of more than 200 people. The average wait time for services is two weeks.”

United Helpers Health Home Care Coordination currently provides community-based services to 260 clients across the county, including many in the Canton area. Mr. Nelson said each care coordinator has a caseload of roughly 30 individuals, while each clinician is seeing as many as 80 patients at any given time.

“This grant will allow us to provide these much-needed mental health and care coordination services to as many as 432 new people,” Mr. Nelson said.

United Helpers Vice President of Development Christa J. Carroll worked together with Mr. Nelson and officials from the village on the grant application, which was submitted as part of the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant CARES Program.

“We are thankful to the State of New York for this grant funding, and their recognition of our efforts to provide behavioral health services to the people of Northern New York,” Ms. Carroll said. “I am thankful to Dave and everyone from the village, especially Leigh Rodriguez, who worked so very hard on this grant application. We are excited about helping many more people.”

New York State Commissioner of Homes and Community Renewal Ruthanne Visnauskas said this particular version of the Community Development Block Grant was awarded to municipalities for efforts related to COVID-19 pandemic response.

In a letter announcing the awarding of the grant, Ms. Visnauskas wrote, “The projects selected for award will assist in the recovery of New York State communities by improving the resiliency of businesses and safety of homes and public facilities serving its residents.”

While United Helpers had been providing behavioral health and mental health services prior to the pandemic, Mr. Nelson said the pandemic led to a dramatic increase in the need for these types of services.

“United Helpers is seeing the highest levels of anxiety and depression we have ever seen since the pandemic hit in March of 2020. This is a troubling trend fueled by loneliness and isolation,” Mr. Nelson said. “We are beyond thankful that the state is recognizing our efforts.”

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or feel like you could benefit from counselling or therapy, give United Helpers a call. For services in Canton call 315-386-0264, for services in Ogdensburg call 315-541-3042. Services are offered to people of all ages, with Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurances accepted. Services may also be offered in-person or remotely.

Staff from the United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Mental Health Clinic in Canton are thrilled to hear their team will soon be expanding thanks to a grant from the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant Cares Program. The grant of nearly $612,000 will allow for the hire of up to six new mental health clinicians and six new care coordinators. Front row, from left, Medical Assistant Danielle Jackson, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Programs Brea Snyder, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Director Stacey Ryan; back row, from left, Director of Behavioral Health Services Dave Nelson, LCSW-R, Canton Clinic Receptionist Alicia Vallance, Clinical Social Worker Lisa Van Kirk, LMSW, and Supervising Social Worker Jeanine Forrester, LCSW.

Recognize the Signs, Take Action

OGDENSBURG – The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very strong impact on our lives and the way we live. There are times when it seems like everything has changed. Certainly, things have become more difficult for many of us in the state's largest county.  

Since 1898, United Helpers has risen to meet the ever-growing needs of the north country, providing care and assistance, aiding the most vulnerable members of the communities they serve. Now more than ever United Helpers’ programs contribute to the strength and vibrancy that makes the North Country great. 

 

Since the beginning of the pandemic last March, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression have increased, as well as thoughts of suicide or suicidal ideation.  

 

“It’s important to know the signs of someone struggling with mental health issues and that there is help available here in St. Lawrence County,” said Dave Nelson, Director of Behavioral Health Services at United Helpers.  

 

According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), some of the signs that may indicate that a person is struggling to maintain their mental health are: 

 

• Excessive worry or fear 
• Avoiding friends or family 
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits 
• Overuse of substances – drugs or alcohol 

 

Recognizing behavioral changes in children may include: 

 

• Changes in school performance 
• Frequent nightmares 
• Increased disobedience or aggression 
• Excessive worrying or anxiety 

 

“The pandemic has changed our ability to stay in touch the way we used to. Maybe we work or attend class from home now, versus going into work or school,” said Nelson. “While we may not gather and keep up with each other the way we used to, it’s important to check in with friends and family to make sure they are doing Ok.”  

 

Sometimes that connection is enough to help someone who is struggling. But when issues arise, know that help is available.  

 

United Helpers offers a continuum of mental health services including outpatient clinics, located in Canton and Ogdensburg. The clinics offer a variety of treatment options including depression, anxiety, abuse, co-occurring substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To schedule an appointment, call 315-541-3042 in Ogdensburg and 315-386-0264 in Canton. 

United Helpers Welcomes Stacey Ryan to Behavioral Health Team

OGDENSBURG – Stacey Ryan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner recently joined the United Helpers Behavioral Health Team. Specializing in comprehensive medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, Ryan sees patients of all ages. 

Stacey Ryan, PMHNP-BC

Ryan completed undergraduate studies in psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011. She then attended Yale University in New Haven, CT, earning her registered nursing degree and then her Master’s of Science in Nursing, graduating magna cum laude. She completed internships at Yale Behavioral Health Services, Yale Internal Medicine Group, and Cassena Care in Connecticut. Ryan joins United Helpers following employment with Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

“My passion is making quality mental health care accessible to North Country residents,” said Ryan. "The opportunity to help improve mental health within our community is a true privilege." A native of northern New York, she graduated from Massena Central.

Ryan is Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice. She treats anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, insomnia, stress-related conditions and has a special interest in the areas of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

In the spring, Ryan will be completing her yoga instructor certification and is looking forward to integrating more holistic approaches into her daily practice.

“Stacey Ryan is a very welcome addition to the team,” said David Nelson, Director of Behavioral Health Services for United Helpers. “She’s a North Country native who returned to serve her community. This is how dedicated and committed she is to the North Country.”

Ryan will see patients at the United Helpers Behavioral Health Centers located in Canton and Ogdensburg. To schedule an appointment, call 315-541-3042 in Ogdensburg and 315-386-0264 in Canton.

Trio of Staff at Canton Behavioral Health Clinic Advance Licenses

CANTON – A trio of clinicians at the United Helpers Behavioral Health Clinic in Canton have recently advanced their licenses with two becoming Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and a third becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

 

Shawn Henry and Jeanine Forrester have both recently earned the designation of LCSW. Brianna Foster recently earned the LMSW designation.

 

Director of Behavior Health Services David Nelson, noted that in order for a LMSW to advance to LCSW they need to have 3,000 hours of clinical service experience. They must also pass an exam. 

Front row, Brianna Foster, LMSW, Jeanine Forrester, LCSW;
second row, Director of Behavior Health Services David Nelson,
 and Shawn Henry, LCSW.

 

Mr. Henry has been a social worker for 36 years, but he says it wasn’t until he came to United Helpers that he felt like he could take the next step in his career.

 

“I just never have the supervision and support needed to take that next step,” Mr. Henry said. “Here at United Helpers, there is an emphasis on employee development. This really is a great place to work.”

 

Mr. Henry, who specializes in chemical dependency and behavioral health services for adult clients, earned his Master’s Degree from SUNY Albany.

Ms. Forrester actually holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Education from St. Lawrence, and one in Social Work from Syracuse University. She has been a social worker for seven years and is a general practitioner with a focus on family therapy services.

 

And it’s that family therapy that Mr. Nelson said sets United Helpers apart from other providers, noting that when Ms. Forrester is seeing a family, it’s as if that family is just one patient, and not three or four people from the same household who just happen to all be receiving services.

 

Ms. Forrester said their LCSW designation now allows her and Mr. Henry to supervise interns, which in turn allows the clinic to expand the number of patients it is able to see.

 

“It also gives us an experienced pool of people to hire from,” Mr. Henry said.

 

Ms. Foster earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California, completing the first half of her degree in person, and the second half on-line after moving to Northern New York. In order to earn her license, she also had to pass an exam.

 

She is also a general practitioner, although she focuses on therapy services for adolescents and children.

 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented counselors and therapists at United Helpers’ Behavioral Health Clinics in Canton and Ogdensburg from seeing patients in person, it has not prevented them from holding virtual visits, something which they continue to do five days a week without a waiting list. That is something that Mr. Nelson said is very rare for behavioral health service providers, with some providers having a waiting list that is a year or more in length.

 

“We also have access to intra-agency services such as care coordination,” he said, adding that an after-hours hotline is also available for established patients.

 

“I always tell people that it’s one of us answering the phone,” Ms. Foster said, referring to the after-hours hotline. “For many providers, that is something they contract out.”

United Helpers operates behavioral health clinics in both Canton and Ogdensburg with both locations offering confidential mental health services to treat and diagnose those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, abuse, chronic mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder or co-occurring disorders.

Both clinics are licensed to provide children’s therapy, and also offer individual, group or family therapy, as well as psychoeducation, psychiatric diagnostic assessments, psychiatric medication management, care coordination, coping skills training, and wellness promotion.

To schedule an appointment in Canton, call (315) 386-0264. To schedule an appointment in Ogdensburg, call (315) 541-3042.

Behavioral Health Clinic Celebrates Grand Opening

OGDENBSURG - The United Helpers Mosaic Behavioral Health Clinic officially celebrated its grand opening on Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by company officials, as well as local and state dignitaries.

The clinic, located at 221 Hamilton St. offers confidential mental health services to treat and diagnose those suffering from depression, anxiety and anger, sexual and/or physical abuse, chronic mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder or co-occurring disorders.

“Our mission at United Helpers is to serve our community and to help those in need. Our new clinic came from our recognition of the need for additional outpatient mental health services in our community,” said Mosaic Administrator Michele M. Montroy. “We are proud to add this clinic to our existing continuum of services, and to further the mission of United Helpers.”

The continuum of services is something that Behavioral Health Coordinator Angela Doe said is important.

“As the newest addition to the United Helpers continuum of services, this clinic will provide increased access to quality mental health services for our most deserving residents and their families. Individuals seeking mental health services may call to schedule an appointment or may walk-in for an assessment," she said.  

The United Helpers Mosaic continuum of services for people with mental illness also includes care management, supported housing with case management services, intensive supportive housing, service coordination and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT).

The clinic, which is licensed to provide children’s therapy, will also offer individual, group or family therapy, as well as psycho education, psychiatric diagnostic assessments, psychiatric medication management, care coordination, coping skills training and wellness promotion for people of all ages.

To schedule an appointment, or for further information, please call (315) 541-3042. Most third-party payers, insurance plans and Medicaid will be accepted and no one will be refused services based on their inability to pay for care.

The clinic is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with after-hours appointments available as-needed.

For a complete album of photos from the event click  here.