The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene (CCDMH) has announced the opening of a new satellite mental health office within Southern Tier Pediatrics, P.C. in Jamestown, NY. This initiative is part of the county’s efforts to enhance access to behavioral health care for children and their caregivers.
The new site operates as a satellite of the Jamestown Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene Certified Community Behavioral Health Center. It is supported by a partnership between the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Chautauqua Tapestry Grant backed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and local healthcare providers. The aim is to integrate mental health services into pediatric primary care settings where families already receive trusted support.
Dr. Tariq Khan, a pediatrician at Southern Tier Pediatrics, expressed appreciation for this collaboration: “At Southern Tier Pediatrics, we appreciate our collaboration 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 – reducing barriers to care and supporting children and families in a setting they know and trust.”
The launch coincides with recent observances such as Mental Health Awareness Month and Youth Mental Health Acceptance Week, which focus on promoting acceptance and reducing stigma around youth mental health challenges. By incorporating mental health services into a pediatric environment, the county aims to normalize behavioral health support as an integral component of overall wellness.
Patricia D’Angelo, Practice Administrator at Southern Tier Pediatrics, highlighted the impact: “For those of you behind the scenes, you don’t get to see what this is doing for the children and families in the community,” she said. “We have the privilege of seeing the positive impact of providing mental health services in a primary care pediatric setting.”
This development underscores a collaborative effort among public agencies, medical professionals, and community leaders committed to meeting children and families’ needs effectively.
