New Satellite Mental Health Office Opens in Jamestown to Improve Pediatric Care
JAMESTOWN – In a significant advancement for community healthcare, the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene has inaugurated a new certified satellite mental health office within Southern Tier Pediatrics P.C. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the important intersection between physical and mental health, particularly for children.
The satellite office serves as an extension of the Jamestown Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Center. This collaborative effort is backed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Chautauqua Tapestry Grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and a strategic partnership with local healthcare providers.
Dr. Tariq Khan, a pediatrician affiliated with Southern Tier Pediatrics, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “At Southern Tier Pediatrics, we appreciate our partnership with the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and are pleased to be able to bring essential mental health services directly into our pediatric office. This approach reduces barriers to care and supports children and families in a setting they know and trust.”
The establishment of mental health services within a pediatric office signifies a pivotal shift in how healthcare is delivered. By integrating behavioral health support into the primary care environment, stakeholders aim to normalize the conversation surrounding mental health as an essential component of overall wellness.
Patricia D’Angelo, the practice administrator for Southern Tier Pediatrics, noted the positive ramifications of this initiative, stating, “For those behind the scenes, you don’t get to see what this is doing for the children and families in the community. We have the privilege of seeing the positive impact of providing mental health services in a primary care pediatric setting.”
This initiative aims to challenge existing stigmas around mental health treatment, promoting the idea that mental wellbeing is as vital as physical health. By co-locating these services, Chautauqua County and its partners seek to provide a comprehensive healthcare model that values both mental and physical health equally.
As communities across the United States grapple with increasing mental health challenges, initiatives such as this signal important progress in creating supportive environments for families. By ensuring mental health services are accessible and integrated into established pediatric practices, stakeholders continue to pave the way for a healthier, more aware society.
