Counseling in Schenectady, NY. Find the Right Therapist.

Related Sites:
City of Schenectady
New York State Education Department Office of Mental Health Professions

Therapy Schenectady, NY

Counseling Scotia, Niskayuna, Mt Pleasant, Rotterdam, Rexford, Groom Corners

Schenectady New York is located just 15 miles northeast of the state's capital, Albany. The town's heritage is closely linked to the native inhabitants of the land. Schenectady was previously part of the Mohawk nation of the Iroquois Confederacy, but in the 17th century, Dutch settlers established a settlement there, which they called Fort Orange. The Mohawk called this place Schau-naugh-ta-da. As one may speculate, the Mohawk name stuck. However, Schenectady's rich history does not end with its designation. Two centuries following the Dutch settlement, the now ninth largest city in the state became home of Thomas Edison's Edison Machine Works.¹ In 1892, Schenectady became home to the General Electric Company. In addition, it is also the residence of WGY-AM, one of the country's initial commercial radio stations. The radio station was owned by General Electric, who also pioneered the United States' first regular television broadcasts.

Mental Health in Schenectady

Support groups can be greatly beneficial to a person who is suffering through grief, who has an addiction, or who lives with a mental illness. St. Peter's Hospital provides a number of support groups to meet the diverse needs of Schenectady's residents. Addiction groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are available, as are groups for people that have an eating disorder. Those suffering from a physical ailment, such as cancer, that causes great mental distress can also participate in groups. To inquire about the support services available through St. Peter's call 518-525-1550.²

The Capital Region Child and Adolescent Mobile Crisis Team responds to mental health emergencies in Schenectady and the surrounding communities. The team generally operates in schools where they de-escalate situations involving a child in crisis, but they will they will also respond to family emergencies. By providing intervention and stabilization services, the Mobile Crisis Team is able to assess the needs of each child and use a strengths-based approach to bring the situation to a positive end. Call 518-243-4000 to access these services.³

Children, teenagers, and adults who live with autism can find many support services through the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. This non-profit organization provides programs throughout the capital region, including Schenectady, that promote stability for individuals with autism. Recreational activities encourage social awareness and communication skills. Family events provide a fun time for children to interact with their peers and other families in a safe and supportive environment. Support groups, advocacy services, and outreach programs foster improved functioning as well. Additional information is available by calling 518-355-2191.⁴

Current Initiatives

The New York State Office of Mental Health began the Tri-County Behavioral Health Initiative for Tobacco-Free Living in 2013 in order to reduce the use of tobacco products by individuals with a serious and persistent mental illness in the Schenectady area. Individuals who are mentally ill are twice as likely to smoke as the average citizen, which reduces their already diminished quality of life. The initiative seeks to provide the resources that mentally ill New Yorkers need to break their addiction and dependence upon tobacco. Learning effective and appropriate strategies for managing stress and anxiety can help smokers kick the habit and gain confidence that they can improve other areas of their lives as well. To learn more about this initiative, call 518-459-2550.⁵

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References

1. Schenectady Museum. (2017). Edison Machine Works. Retrieved from http://www.schenectadymuseum.org/edison/a_timeline/02_f01.htm
2. St. Peter's Hospital. (2017). Support Groups. Retrieved from http://www.sphcs.org/patientsupportgroups
3. Parson's Child and Family Center. (2016). Capital Region Child and Adolescent Mobile Crisis Team. Retrieved from http://www.parsonscenter.org/program/capital-region-child-and-adolescent-mobile-crisis-team/
4. Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. (2017). Programs and Services. Retrieved from http://www.albanyautism.org/WhatWeDo/ProgramsServices.aspx
5. New York State Office of Mental Health. (2017). Tri-County Behavioral Health Initiative for Tobacco-Free Living. Retrieved from https://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/resources/newsltr/2014/may/from-the-field.html

Schenectady is located in Schenectady County, New York. It has a land area of 10.79 square miles and a water area of 0.18 square miles.  The population of Schenectady is 65,305 people with 24,087 households and a median annual income of $40,755. .

Therapy Affordability Meter for Schenectady, NY

Will need to budget

Mental health treatment and therapy in Schenectady is sometimes a struggle to afford for families and individuals without proper insurance coverage. Finances for many in Schenectady are not able to cover long term weekly counseling sessions without a budgetary plan in place. The good news is that therapists are often willing to work with you if accessibility is an issue. Low cost therapy and sliding scales are just some of the options that therapists can offer. Insurance may cover your sessions as well. Talk to your counselor to learn more. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local Schenectady public health department.