POUGHKEEPSIE – Effective immediately, the Dutchess County Stabilization Center, which assists with the county’s mental health and addiction services programs, will operate exclusively via phone and telepractice.
The facility will continue to operate all day and night every day, but won’t be accepting in-person visits until further notice. These steps are being taken to help “flatten the curve” and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
The stabilization center is a 24/7, non-medical, voluntary center for individuals experiencing crises resulting from mental health or substance abuse issues.
The stabilization center has established a central phone number for individuals in crisis to call – (845) 486-2849. Department of Behavioral & Community Health’s and partner agency mental health experts will be available to do assessments, referrals, and do handoffs over the phone.
Individuals will also continue to receive follow-up and monitoring from staff to ensure success after their call.
County Executive Marc Molinaro said the center “is open and operating. “We remain committed to supporting and providing help 24/7 to whoever may need it. However, we must change how we are operating to ensure the health and safety of both those who need our services and the dedicated individuals providing those services.”
Molinaro said while they are doing all they can to practice social distancing, “it’s imperative we don’t begin practicing emotional distancing. We won’t let a pandemic stop our efforts at breaking through the stigma surrounding addiction and helping individuals struggling with substance abuse, and their families, feel comfortable to seek treatment,” continued Molinaro.
Dr. Jacqueline Johnson, the deputy commissioner of the Department of Behavioral & Community Health said the majority of services offered at the center remain available to residents in crisis. “We will continue to offer crisis counseling, peer advocacy, youth and family counseling, addiction and substance use counseling, and still make warm handoffs to connect patients with community-based resources.”
Individuals are may always call or text HELPLINE at (845) 486-9700, which connects individuals with trained mental health professionals who can counsel or offer referrals to those dealing with mental health or substance use issues – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Dutchess County’s 24/7 Mobile Crisis Intervention Team will also move to operating via phone and telepractice.
