March 20, 2020 – Community Health and Behavioral Services (CHBS) Clinic, a division of Upstate Cerebral Palsy, remains open during normal operating hours during the Covid-19 emergency at all locations: 1427/1500 Genesee Street in Utica , 326 Corisanti Children’s Center and at 207 W. Dominick Street in Rome. While a new telephonic appointment system is being utilized for as many patients as possible, CHBS is still accepting walk-ins and those with scheduled in-person appointments.
Currently, the CHBS Clinic is the only mental health clinic in the area that has remained open to walk-ins. Strict health precautions are being observed according to those outlined by the CDC and other regulatory agencies, including frequent hand washing, social distancing, use of face masks and frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all areas including waiting areas and patient rooms.
Tara Costello, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services stated, “It is crucial that mental health care continues to be provided for those experiencing heightened anxiety and other mental health needs during a health crisis.” Fear and anxiety pertaining to a disease such as Covid-19 can overwhelm both adults and children, and staff let alone those who may be more susceptible to the virus, or those who may already have an underlying mental health or substance abuse issue.
Community Health and Behavioral Service manages an Article 31 Mental Health Clinic and residential programs including supported housing for individuals with serious mental illness as well as treatment apartments. Our clinic is the largest New York State Office of Mental Health Article 31 provider in Oneida County. It is an integral component of the region’s healthcare network offering comprehensive behavioral healthcare services throughout the Mohawk Valley providing a needed service for over 5,000 unique individuals each year within Oneida County.
CHBS offers comprehensive behavioral healthcare services to individuals of all ages. Staff are trained to help children, adolescents and adults with a variety of behavioral health issues. Please contact (315) 798-8868 (Utica) or 315-337-0773 (Rome) to learn more. ###
