MORE ABOUT  BHSN

OUR HISTORY

Established in 1874, by Margaret Platt (whose family the City of Plattsburgh is named after) was the "Home for the Friendless." It was a facility caring for orphans and abandoned children of the community, which evolved into the Northern New York Center and grew over its first 125 years in response to the needs of the community. The Center provided treatment, rehabilitation and support services to families, children and adults experiencing mental illness, helping them build fulfilling and productive lives in their homes, schools and communities. Their efforts were geared toward those children and adults who were in the greatest need: seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth, seriously mentally ill adults, and their families. Services were provided through a broad array of individualized activities, all directed toward supporting and enhancing the lives of individuals and families in our community.

In 1963, a group of community leaders and professionals met with the intention to form an association whose purpose would be to see that expanded mental health services for children and adults would be available in Clinton County. The Mental Health Association fulfilled its original role as advocate, educator and watchdog. It also acted as coordinator among related agencies, acted as a contract agency, provided direct services, helped others to help themselves - still working out the enthusiastic visions that were imagined and hoped for over three decades earlier.

In 1995, Families Involved Together (FIT) began as a shared program between the Mental Health Association and the Northern New York Center which assists parents with teaching, setting goals and supporting their emotionally disturbed child. Joining together in this creative and innovative sharing of resources was the first step toward the 1999 merger.

Statistical studies show that one in seven people and one in four families will experience a serious emotional disability. While the Northern New York Center provided clinical treatment, rehabilitation and support services, the Mental Health Association provided non-clinical prevention, education, referral, counseling and supportive services for populations at risk for emotional disability.

In June of 1999, a merger occurred between Northern New York Center  and the Mental Health Association  of Clinton County.  Although both entities had been serving the individuals and families of Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties, the merger brought together the leaders in the behavioral health field offering clients a continuum of seamless services.

TODAY

BHSN has emerged as the leader in behavioral health services in the northernmost area of New York State bordering Canada and Vermont.  Located along the shores of Lake Champlain, BHSN has over 20 sites which comprise its 27 programs and administrative facility.

As a locally owned and operated not-for-profit, our Board of Directors is comprised of 17 business professionals and 2 direct consumers of BHSN services in addition to our CEO.

Our employees participate on our 9 standing committees which guide our programs and service delivery in addition to the board committees on which many employees are also asked to serve.

Visit our photo gallery and take a look at some of our recent awards and community activities!

REFERRALS

BHSN accepts referrals from hospitals, other human service agencies, primary and specialty physicians, clergy, the criminal justice system as well as self-referrals.