Dutchess County’s Stabilization Center Among New York’s First Licensed Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers
Partnership with People USA serves thousands of residents each year living with mental health and substance use issues
Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County’s first-of-its-kind Stabilization Center, a partnership between the Dutchess County Department of Mental Health (DCDMH) and People USA, recently became one of the first Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH) and the State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), further solidifying the facility as a model to be emulated and duplicated throughout the state and beyond.
Opened in March 2017 as the only such facility in New York, Dutchess County’s Stabilization Center is a 24/7, non-medical, voluntary, walk-in center for individuals experiencing crisis resulting from mental health or substance use issues. Located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie, the Stabilization Center provides law enforcement and Dutchess County’s 24/7 Mobile Crisis Intervention Team the ability to divert individuals with behavioral health or substance use issues so they can receive immediate assistance and services in order to de-escalate crisis and plan for ongoing services upon departing the center.
From its opening, the Stabilization Center has been operated as a public-private collaboration, with DCDMH working with community partners to bring about positive results for its guests. Highlighting the success of that Dutchess County model, NYS OMH and OASAS has issued the new license to People USA to operate the Stabilization Center.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “For years, Dutchess County’s Stabilization Center has made a marked impact on the lives of thousands of residents of all ages, leading to positive outcomes for its guests. We have always known the value of our Stabilization Center, and we are thrilled New York State similarly values its life-saving influence. As a licensed facility, our Stabilization Center is not only the cornerstone of Dutchess County’s mental health and addiction services programs, it’s a shining example for other communities – throughout New York and the nation – to replicate and realize similar success. Dutchess County is so proud of its partnership with People USA, which has culminated in this historic achievement.”
In 2023, the Stabilization Center served more than 3,000 guests, including nearly 800 under the age of 18, helping divert them from hospital emergency departments or incarceration.
Steve Miccio, People USA’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “For seven years, the Stabilization Center has been a beacon of hope for so many in our community, often serving as their first step along their journey to recovery and wellness. Collaborating with Dutchess County, we have redefined compassionate and effective care for those in crisis. We are thrilled to receive this prestigious certification, affirming our dedication to serving the mental health needs of our community.”
Since its inception, Dutchess County’s Stabilization Center has served as a vital resource for individuals experiencing mental health crises, providing immediate access to crisis assessment, stabilization and referral services. The facility’s multidisciplinary approach, which integrates peer support, counseling, and linkages to community resources, has been instrumental in promoting recovery and reducing the burden on emergency departments and law enforcement agencies.
This latest achievement, receiving New York’s first license to operate a facility of this type, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, partners and the larger community. It reaffirms our commitment to providing timely, compassionate and effective crisis intervention services to individuals facing mental health challenges.”
New York State’s licensing process, overseen by NYS OMH and OASAS, involved rigorous assessments of the Stabilization Center’s infrastructure, services and adherence to best practices in crisis intervention and mental health care. The Stabilization Center met and exceeded stringent criteria, including staffing qualifications, service accessibility, collaboration with community resources and adherence to evidence-based practices.
New York defines a Supportive Crisis Stabilization Center (SCSC) as a center that provides support and assistance to individuals with mental health and/or substance use crisis symptoms. Such centers provide services for individuals experiencing challenges in daily life who do not pose a likelihood of serious harm. SCSCs will provide voluntary services, with an emphasis on peer support that is resilience and recovery-oriented; these facilities also provide behavioral health support 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Recipients may receive services in a SCSC for up to 24 hours.
Photo caption: From left: Himali Pandya, Chief Strategy Officer, People USA; County Executive Sue Serino; Patrick Wildes, Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Human Services and Mental Hygiene; Jean-Marie Niebuhr, Dutchess County Mental Health Commissioner; Steve Miccio, Chief Executive Officer, People USA; Harvey Rosenthal, CEO, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery; Luke Sikinyi, Director of Public Policy, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery; Kimberly Wing, Chief Operating Officer, People USA; and Ben Groff, Chief Human Resources Officer, People USA, toured Dutchess County’s Stabilization Center earlier this week.
