Special Programs
Included in this section are programs or services specially created for children and youth. They include treatment programs, recreation, socialization and support resources.
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 be indicating that if treated early, with proper medical support and appropriate medications, the long-term damage from the illness may be lessened. The following youth 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.
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)
716-898-3255
Adult, Child & Family Services
462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY 14215
www.ecmc.edu
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.
Community-Based Services
Community-Based Services (CBS) are types of person-centered care delivered in the home and community. A variety of health and human services can be provided along with mental health and other medical care. These services are generally designed to increase access and address more complex health conditions. They may also provide more immediate access to care in underserved communities. For many of the services, certain criteria may be required, for example income level, types or level of chronic conditions, Medicaid-eligibility, referrals, and residence. Fees vary depending on insurance coverage or Medicaid or Medicare eligibility. Many programs, however, over a sliding-scale (based on your income) or assist with enrollment in Medicaid or other insurances.
Children’s Health Home
Children’s Health Home provides comprehensive, coordinated, intensive services for children under age 21 with Medicaid who also meet certain other criteria. Care managers ensure that children attend medical, dental, specialist or counseling appointments; link children and families with other services; and encourage children’s provider teams to work together.
Children (under age 21) must be enrolled in Medicaid and meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have two or more chronic conditions (e.g., Substance Use Disorder, Asthma, Diabetes) OR one single qualifying chronic condition: Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) or Complex Trauma (Children);
- Must be appropriate for the intensive level of care management services in a Health Home. “Appropriateness” criteria include: at risk for an adverse event (e.g., mandated preventive services or out-of-home placement); has inadequate social/family/housing support; or serious disruptions in family relationships, has inadequate connectivity with healthcare system, does not adhere to treatments or has difficulty managing medications; has recently been released from incarceration, placement, detention, or psychiatric hospitalization; has deficits in activities of daily living, learning or cognition issues; or is concurrently eligible or enrolled, along with either their child or caregiver, in a Health Home.
- Being in foster care or in juvenile justice does not necessarily preclude a child from being in a health home.
Referral Process:
Community organizations, individuals or families may make referrals to enroll in one of the three Children’s Health Homes listed below. Complete the Referral Form which may be found on each of the Health Home’s website. A Consent form must also be completed.
Community-Based Resources
Children’s Health Home of Upstate New York (CHHUNY)
BestSelf Children’s Health Home Services
855-613-7659
716-884-0888 (BestSelf)
https://www.childrenshealthhome.com/
Encompass Health Home
Catholic Charities
1-844-884-4999
716-218-1400
741 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14209
http://encompasshealthhome.org/about-us/
encompasshealthhome@ccbc.net
Oishei Healthy Kids
Children’s Health Home
716-370-1000
1100 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14209
https://www.oisheihealthykids.org/
Children’s Single Point of Access (SPOA)
A mental health professional, the Department of Social Services, or other provider may feel your child needs more coordinated and intensive treatment. They will refer you to Children’s SPOA for screening and determination of eligibility for these more intensive services and case management through the High Fidelity Wraparound Program or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver. Children’s SPOA also is also the single “front door” for other multi-system children whose families need help stabilizing their environments, are the at risk of being involved in the justice system or are currently involved in the justice system.
If you know or suspect your child/family is high-risk or high-need due to safety concerns within the home or community, you may also contact SPOA directly.
Children/Families who are not considered appropriate for Children’s SPOA services, and have Medicaid insurance, may meet the criteria for “Children’s Health Home” (see below) integrated services as well.
Referral Process:
- Service provider and/or parent identifies that a child/youth meets the target population.
- Service provider and parent/guardian complete the application, referral process form, and permission for disclosure form (consent form). Service/treatment summary is included that identifies risk of placement/hospitalization as well as part/current interventions to address those risk factors. If available, the DSM-5 Diagnosis must be included. Link to Referral: http://www2.erie.gov/mentalhealth/
- County staff review materials for completeness and schedule Intake meeting as soon as possible.
- When a family is approved for SPOA Care Coordination, Families CAN (Erie County’s lead Family Support agency) conducts a one-hour in-home orientation.
- When a family is not approved, other services and/or supports are recommended by the Intake Committee to meet needs identified in the referral.
For more information, you may call (716) 858-8349.
SPOA Resources
Children’s SPOA
716-858-8349
Erie County Department of Mental Health
478 Main St., 2nd Flr., Buffalo NY 14202
Fax: 716-858-7492
Service Details
High Fidelity Wraparound Program
(sometimes referred to as SPOA, Wraparound or Family Voices Network) Currently, five agencies provide High Fidelity Wraparound in Erie County: BestSelf, Gateway-Longview, New Directions Youth & Family Services, Child & Family Services and Endeavor. Refer to the listings for these CMOs under the “Children & Adolescent Outpatient Services.”
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program
Two agencies, Child & Family Services and Endeavor, are contracted by this program to serve children who are at highest risk and in greatest need of services.
Family Services Team (PINS)
Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS)
716-858-8349
Diversion Services
478 Main St., 2nd Flr., Buffalo, NY 14202
(Also Pearl Street Entrance)
Service Details
The Family Service Team (FST) is a voluntary preventive service under the Erie County Department of Social Services, which also includes PINS (Persons In Need of Supervision) Diversion services. The goal of the Family Services Team is to assist families in stabilizing their own home environments and preventing youth from penetrating the Juvenile Justice System if possible and appropriate.
Youth under the age of 18 who show a pattern of ungovernable behavior, such as running away, curfew violations, alcohol and/or drug abuse, violent or destructive behavior, or severe school truancy, are eligible for these services. Most PINS behavioral complaints are made by parents, or, in the case of severe truancy problems, by school districts. Call to apply.
Recreation & Socialization Resources
Clubhouse Buffalo
Restoration Society, Inc.
716-832-2141
https://rsiwny.org/what-we-do/clubhousebuffalo.html
Service Details
Using the power of volunteer friends to improve the lives of children and adults (including seniors and veterans) who are striving for good mental health.
Compeer/Niagara County Mental Health Association
716-433-3780
36 Pine St., Lockport, NY 14094
Fees: None
www.mhanc.com
Service Details
Serves children and adults (including seniors and veterans) dealing with mental illness. Non-therapeutic education, information, referral, as well as volunteer friends for companionship and activity.
Compeer of Greater Buffalo
716-883-3331
135 Delaware Ave. Ste. 210
Buffalo, NY 14202-2410
www.compeerbuffalo.org
Service Details
Using the power of volunteer friends to improve the lives of children and adults (including seniors and veterans) who are striving for good mental health.
Compeer/Niagara County Mental Health Association
716-433-3780
36 Pine St., Lockport, NY 14094
Fees: None
www.mhanc.com
Service Details
Serves children and adults (including seniors and veterans) dealing with mental illness. Non-therapeutic education, information, referral, as well as volunteer friends for companionship and activity.
Gay and Lesbian Youth Services (GLYS) of WNY, Inc.
716-855-0221
371 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Fees: None
www.glyswny.org
Service Details
Provides a safe place, health and wellness programming, development and leadership opportunities, peer support, resources, referrals, advocacy and more for self-identified gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth ages 14- 21 years. GLYS offers training and information for individuals and organizations working with youth as well as for parents, educators, and schools. Drop-In Center.
Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara County
Youth Clubhouse
716-874-4460
1005 Grant St., Buffalo, NY 14207
Fees: None
Service Details
Serves Native American youth ages 13-18 who are in recovery from or at-risk of developing a substance use disorder. Provide safety, recovery, well-being and positive mental, physical and spiritual growth through programming based on Haudenosaunee/Native principles to any urban Native youth in Erie County and Niagara County. Recreational activities, skill-building, education, cultural competency and promotion.
Suburban Adult Services/SaSi
716-496-5551
13339 Rte. 39
PO Box 526
Sardinia, NY 14134
Service Details
High Hurdles, therapeutic riding program for children and adults who are physically, emotionally, or cognitively challenged. Certified instructors, Special Olympics training center.
Other Children’s Services
Kids’ Helpline (Crisis Services)
716-834-1144
www.crisisservices.org
Service Details
A 24-hour service for children and adolescents focused on substance abuse as well as maladaptive social or emotional behaviors, low or failing grades, poor school attendance and suspension through SAPC (Student Assistance Prevention Counseling) program. Also provides consultation, referral, reporting, prevention and early intervention programs including services for positive youth development.
Jewish Family Service
Eating Disorders Program
716-883-1914
70 Barker St., Buffalo, NY 14209
Fees: Sliding scale, all insurances accepted.
Service Details
Individual therapy dealing with various eating disorders. Individual counseling, linkage with self-help organizations, inpatient programs, nutritionists and physicians.
Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo/ Sexually Inappropriate Behavior
716-878-1151 or 716-878-7093
219 Bryant St., Buffalo, NY 14222
https://www.ochbuffalo.org/
Fee: Most insurance plans cover in part or full.
Service Details
Serves Native American youth ages 13-18 who are in recovery from or at-risk of developing a substance use disorder. Provide safety, recovery, well-being and positive mental, physical and spiritual growth through programming based on Haudenosaunee/Native principles to any urban Native youth in Erie County and Niagara County. Recreational activities, skill-building, education, cultural competency and promotion.