Hillside has been selected by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) to launch a new community-based program for residents of Monroe, Chenango and Cortland counties. Youth Assertive Community Treatment, or Youth ACT, will provide intensive community-based services to support youth experiencing severe emotional disturbance. The program’s goal is to help those youth avoid the need for out-of-home treatment and other higher levels of care.
Hillside was named in a recent announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul as one of 12 statewide providers selected by OMH to initiate Youth ACT. New York is the first state in the country to implement this innovative model.
In coordination with the OMH teams in Monroe, Chenango and Cortland counties, Youth ACT staff will provide round-the-clock support for designated youth and families who are experiencing acute emotional issues. Through a combination of clinical and therapeutic supports, Hillside’s team will support the youth and their entire family by de-escalating challenging situations, providing skills and resources for stability, and helping prevent the need for out-of-home placements.
“The Youth ACT program is specifically intended to address unique challenges faced by young people and families at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives. It maintains an appropriate focus on families and home-based assistance, which is always the ideal,” said Maria Cristalli, Hillside President and CEO. “Hillside is proud to work with our colleagues, county and state partners to provide this innovative service that will deliver assistance and support where and when it’s most needed.”
Hillside is recruiting experienced teams of Clinicians and Direct-Care staff in support of the Youth ACT program. To learn more about these opportunities, visit Hillside.com/careers.