Psychiatric Care
Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders including those related to mood, behavior, cognition, and perceptions. Psychiatrists differ from psychologists in that they are physicians and have post-graduate training in psychiatry of 4-5 years. Psychiatric care for children is also provided by psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Psychiatrists typically spend less time (other than the initial appointment) than a therapist, and do not focus as much on talk therapy but more on the physical or chemical treatment of the brain. They provide services in mental health agencies, hospitals and clinics, and private practices. Due to a shortage of psychiatrists, appointments may not be available for weeks if not months. However, access to psychiatrists is available sooner if you are a patient of one of the mental health agencies or Children’s Health Homes. Click here to see Special Programs
We have not included organizations that do only psychiatric assessments and referrals to psychiatrists since most mental health providers perform these activities. Psychiatrists who do not take Medicaid or Medicare are not included in these resources unless they provide a unique service not otherwise offered in the area.
Child & Youth – Special Programs are specifically designed psychiatric care for children and youth. They provide a wide range of services, including psychiatry, and offer intensive early intervention and treatment. They include Children’s Health Home, Children’s Single Point of Entry (SPOA), and First Episode Psychosis (FEP) is especially effective for young people with early symptoms of psychosis.
First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
The onset of serious mental illness often occurs in the period of adolescence to young adulthood. It can be difficult to diagnose with certainty, but the most current research seems to indicate if treated early, with proper medical support and appropriate medications, the long-term damage from the illness may be lessened. The following programs offer intensive early intervention and treatment during and through the period of adolescence and young adulthood.
OnTrack First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
BestSelf Behavioral Health, Inc. – OnTrack@BestSelf
716-566-6188
255 Delaware Ave., Ste. 400
Buffalo, NY 14202
www.BestSelfwny.org
Early onset intervention and treatment for adolescents and young adults (16-30 years of age) experiencing symptoms and changes like: withdrawal from friends and family; strange or unusual thoughts or behaviors; fear or suspicion of others; or begun hearing or seeing things others do not. Provides care and support services, including medication if needed, academic and vocational support and assistance to meet individual’s chosen life goals in school, work and relationships for up to two years.
Navigate Program
Erie County Medical Center (ECMC)
Adult, Child & Family Services
716-898-3255
462 Grider St
Buffalo, NY 14215
www.ecmc.edu See “Behavioral Health”.
Early intervention for individuals (generally age 14-30) experiencing First Episode Psychosis symptoms for at least one week, up to one year. May include these or other types of symptoms: delusions, thought broadcasting (or mind-control), and/ or hallucinations. Treatment team includes Individual Residency Trainer, Family Education Clinician, a Supported Employment and Educational Specialist, and Psychiatrist. Same-week appointments. Care is planned in collaboration with other ECMC programs such as CPEP, inpatient psychiatry, the Partial Hospitalization Program, and substance abuse services.
Psychiatric Resources
BestSelf Behavioral Health, Inc.
716-884-0888
255 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14202
www.bestselfwny.org
Fees: Sliding Scale available
Service Details
Fully integrated mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services for children and adults including mental health, substance use disorder, health assessment & monitoring, psychiatric rehabilitation, targeted case management, peer services. On-Track Adolescent Program (link above), DBT, PROS, ACT, Reentry, integrated co-occurring disorder, MAT, school-based programs, Child Advocacy Center. Mobile Mental Health Services. Bilingual Counselors at some locations.
Service Area: WNY
Endeavor Health Services
716-895-6700
1526 Walden Ave., Ste. 400
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
www.ehswny.org
Fees: Financial assistance based on ability to pay.
Service Details
Counseling, Psychiatry, HCBS, HARP, PROS, Medication Management, Forensic. Certified Community Behavioral Health Center
Locations: WNY
Erie County Medical Center
Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
716-898-1676
1285 Main St., 1st Flr.
Buffalo, NY 14202
www.ecmc.edu
Fees: Financial assistance based on ability to pay.
Service Details
Provides outpatient behavioral health services for clients and their families.
Assessment, individual and group counseling, medication evaluation and monitoring, psychiatry, Navigate Program (link above), Co-Occurring Diagnosis, PTSD, Clozaril management. No appointment needed. 16 years and older
Service Area: WNY.
Horizon Health Services, Inc.
716-831-1800
55 Dodge Road
Getzville, NY 14068
www.horizon-health.org
Fees: Sliding scale available
Service Details
Treatment and support for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues. Outpatient & residential treatment, detoxification services, military/first responder residential treatment, crisis stabilization, therapy dog program.
Service Area: WNY
Monsignor Carr Clinics/Catholic Charities
716 895-7718 or 1-877-448-4466
76 W. Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
www.ccwny.org
Fees: Sliding scale, most insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare
Service Details
Serves children ages 5 and up, adolescents, and adults. Comprehensive psychiatric and social work services. Individual, family and group counseling, medication management, in-home treatment.
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Children’s Psychiatry Clinic
716-859-5454
1028 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
www.wchob.org
Fees: Financial assistance based on ability to pay.
Service Details
Diagnostic assessment, evaluation and treatment services, individual and family psychotherapies; psychiatric evaluation and consultation; medication management; advocacy for clinic patients with schools, social services, or other agencies. Ages 2 – 21.
Service Area: WNY
Spectrum Health and Human Services
716-539-5500
227 Thorn Ave.
Orchard Park, NY 14127
www.shswny.org
Fees: Sliding scale available.
Service Details
Community-based services, drug addiction counseling, home health care coordination, housing assistance, mental health clinics, and counseling services, PROS, ACT, co-occurring disorders, re-entry, LGBTQ and more.
Service Area: WNY
WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center
Buffalo Outpatient Clinic
716-832-0720
575 Alberta Dr., Ste. 2
Amherst, NY 14226
Service Details
Primary focus on juvenile justice population. Provides mental health services to children 5-18 years old including individual and family therapy and medication management.