Meeting the need for adolescent mental health services in New York

Gianna was preparing to return to college when she learned her friend, Ryan, had died by suicide. Gianna needed help to cope with the loss of her friend — and didn’t know where to turn for support.

Gianna found help through the Cohen Children’s Behavioral Health Partnership, which is addressing the escalating need for mental health services for school-age children and adolescents. Across the region, Northwell partners with 17 school districts to provide easier access to care, as well as education and professional development for faculty and staff. Zucker Hillside Hospital’s Behavioral Health College Partnership works with nearly 100 colleges and universities across New York to address unique behavioral health issues impacting undergraduate and graduate students.

Gianna and Ryan’s story is a reminder of the silent struggles that our youth face. One in five children is diagnosed with a behavioral, emotional or mental health disorder, but only 20% of those diagnosed receive specialized treatment. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this mental health crisis.

Northwell knows that research is key to earlier intervention and diagnosis of mental and behavioral health disorders. With philanthropic support, Northwell is developing a center of excellence geared specifically to children and adolescents that is fully integrated with Cohen Children’s Medical Center, New York’s #1 children’s hospital, and our premier mental health facility, Zucker Hillside Hospital. And because there’s a severe nationwide shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and a lack of pediatric behavioral health research, the center will also serve as a research hub and teaching facility for the next generation of behavioral health professionals.

With your help, we can expand care and elevate awareness of the mental health crisis for young people and create more pathways for support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255 for 24/7 support or call 911 immediately.