Ellis Family Room reflects on its impact after nine months

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Family Room, a walk-in mental health center for adolescents and teens has become a vital resource for community members, according to Ellis Medicine. Nine months after opening, the Ellis Family Room is reflecting on its impact on the youth community.

Located at Ellis Medicine’s State Street Health Center, 1023 State St., Schenectady, the Family Room serves up to eight adolescents at a time and is staffed with a social worker, case manager and a peer counselor. Patients have access to counseling and medical referrals as well as family services and resources.

"The Family Room continues to have great potential in how we address the mental health needs of our community's young people. Especially during the holidays, when emotional stress often peaks, having a safe, welcoming place can make all the difference for families in crisis," President and CEO of Ellis Medicine Paul Milton said.

According to the health center, the mental health center has had a transformative impact in five different groups. Those groups include emergency room diversion, rapid support, emotional relief, high-need population, and ongoing support.

Impacts according to the center:

• Emergency Room Diversion: 85% of visitors avoided an emergency room trip, saving an estimated $360,000 in healthcare costs.
  
• Rapid Support: Guests spent an average of 90 minutes in the Family Room, less time than typical emergency room visits.
  
• Emotional Relief: Guests reported a 32% decrease in emotional distress after their visits, based on self-assessments.
  
• High-Need Population: 63% of visitors presented with self-harm or suicidal ideation, underscoring the urgency of the Family Room's services.
  
• Ongoing Support: The Family Room connected 41% of visitors to outpatient mental health services for continued care.

"By reducing ER (emergency room) visits and connecting families with ongoing care, the Family Room not only addresses immediate crises but also helps build resilience and fosters long-term mental well-being," said Tori Daniels, outpatient crisis diversion supervisor for Ellis’ Family Room and Living Room programs.

The Family Room is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As the one-year anniversary approaches, Ellis Medicine is seeking additional support to maintain and expand the Family Room's services; to donate, visit the Ellis Medicine website.