Press Release
Ellis aims for transformative impact on adolescent mental health
Thursday, May 1, 2025
The Family Room is an innovative walk-in center now in its 2nd year in operation; Ellis is raising awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Mental health challenges remain a serious concern for adolescents and teens. According to the CDC's 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 40% of U.S. high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year, and 20% seriously considered attempting suicide.
At a time when families are seeking faster, more convenient and more compassionate care, Ellis Medicine’s Family Room is filling a critical gap in the Capital Region. With Mental Health Awareness Month underway this May, Ellis is shining a spotlight on the Family Room — a first-of-its-kind, walk-in mental health center for youth ages 10 to 17 — now entering its second year of service.
Located at 1023 State Street in Schenectady, the Family Room offers a calming, homelike environment where teens in crisis can speak with trained mental health professionals, connect to resources, and feel supported—all at no cost to families. In just over a year, the Family Room has become a trusted and essential part of the local mental health care landscape.
Transformative Impact in First Year
- Emergency Room Diversion: 87% of visitors avoided an ER trip, saving an estimated $572,700 in healthcare costs.
- Rapid Support: Guests spent an average of 90 minutes in the Family Room, less time than typical ER visits.
- Emotional Relief: Guests reported a 30% decrease in emotional distress after their visits, based on self-assessments.
- High-Need Population: 60% of visitors presented with self-harm or suicidal ideation, underscoring the urgency of the Family Room's services.
- Ongoing Support: The Family Room connected 43% of visitors to outpatient mental health services for continued care.
- Accepting all insurance plans: While The Family Room now accepts all health insurance plans, guests and families without insurance pay nothing for our services, which are supported by generous grants from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, The Little Family Foundation, and The Schenectady Foundation.
Paul Milton, President & CEO of Ellis Medicine, said, “The Family Room continues to have great potential in how we address the mental health needs of our community's young people. When emotional stress peaks, having a safe and welcoming place can make all the difference for families in crisis.”
A First-of-Its-Kind Approach in New York State
The Family Room offers a unique alternative to the Emergency Room. Designed to provide a calming environment, it includes cozy furniture and soft lighting. Guests receive immediate support from social workers, peer counselors, and case managers, and leave with resources and referrals tailored to their needs.
“By reducing ER visits and connecting families with ongoing care, the Family Room not only addresses immediate crises but also helps build resilience and fosters long-term mental well-being,” said Tori Daniels, Outpatient Crisis Diversion Supervisor for Ellis’ Family Room and Living Room programs.
The Family Room builds on the proven success of The Living Room, Ellis Medicine’s walk-in mental health crisis program for adults. Since opening in 2018, The Living Room has maintained a remarkable 98% Emergency Room diversion rate, providing thousands of individuals with a safe, welcoming space to address their mental health needs without requiring a hospital visit. The program, also located at 1023 State St., has become an essential element in Ellis Medicine’s commitment to innovative mental health care, connecting guests to resources and empowering them to develop coping skills, manage medications, and improve emotional well-being.
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month – and raise awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues – Ellis Medicine is seeking additional support to sustain and expand its services into the future. To donate, visit www.ellismedicinefoundation.org.
The Family Room
For youth, ages 10 to 17
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 518.831.8700
The Living Room
For 18+
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 518.243.1523
The Ellis Crisis Information and Referral Hotline is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Call 518.243.4000 and ask to speak to a crisis worker.
Ellis Medicine | Newsroom
Ellis Medicine Media Inquiries
Media inquiries should be directed to the Communications Department at Ellis Medicine. The Communications Department is open and staffed Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The department can be reached by phone at 518.232.9288. If you leave a message your call will typically be returned within 24 hours.
All official communications regarding Ellis Medicine are arranged through the Communications Department. We look forward to working with members of the public and media organizations to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Ellis Medicine.
Contact:
Communications
Ellis Medicine
1101 Nott Street
Schenectady, NY 12308
518.232.9288