(KINGSTON, NY)—In an effort to address the increasing mental health needs of youth, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie is set to open the Children’s Way Counseling Center (CWCC), in late spring or early summer at the Ulster County Center for Well-Being, 368 Broadway in Kingston, New York. CWCC will offer outpatient mental and behavioral health treatment for children, adolescents, and their families.
The Children’s Way Counseling Center was approved by the Ulster County Legislature in 2024 and began development shortly thereafter. CWCC will be dedicated to supporting local youth facing emotional and behavioral health challenges through a variety of services that include early assessment and identification of childhood emotional disturbances, ongoing psychotherapy for the youth and their family, medication management, crisis intervention, complex care management, and referrals to other community-based care.
Children’s Way Counseling Center will also collaborate with community providers, specifically school-based mental health services and the new Ulster County Crisis Support Center to assist the needs of youth and families. The goal is to offer comprehensive care for youth and help them develop a resilient and hopeful approach to school, family, and their community.
“We are proud to offer this much-needed resource to children and families in Ulster County,” said Walter J. Joseph, Executive Director of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. “The Children’s Way Counseling Center represents a vital step forward in meeting the mental health needs of youth who are experiencing significant levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Together, with local partners, we can provide the care that these children deserve.”
Initial funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will cover startup costs for the first two years. The Children’s Way Counseling Center is projected to become self-sustaining after that period. In 2025, CWCC aims to serve up to 115 children and families, with plans to expand to 170-210 children and families in 2026, and 210-240 in 2027.
“We are thrilled to introduce Children’s Way Counseling Center, a place where children and families can find support and will provide youth and families with increased access to and choice of outpatient children’s mental health provider,” said Courtney E. Rovere, PhD, LCSW, Assistant Executive Director for Clinical Program Development at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. “We are very excited to be collaborating with the Ulster County Department of Mental Health on this effort.”
To stay updated on the Children’s Way Counseling Center and its official opening, follow the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website at childrenshome.us for more details.
About the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie
On January 21, 1847, a group of Poughkeepsie women called the Female Guardian Society met to form the Poughkeepsie Orphan House and Home of the Friendless to care for the poor, abandoned, and neglected in their communities, most especially the children. They believed that all children deserve a nurturing and caring environment. More than 178 years later, their work continues.
Today, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie provides a full range of Community Based Services and Residential Services giving hope and healing to at-risk children throughout New York State. The Home is licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, the New York State Office of Mental Health, and the New York State Department of Health. The Children’s Home is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for its exemplary adherence to human welfare agency guidelines. In fiscal year 2024, the Home served approximately 1,791 children and their families.
***
a place of healing and hope since 1847
