Mental Health Services

Ellis Hospital has been helping adults overcome mental illness for more than 30 years, and we offer specialized services for adolescents. We have a staff of adult, child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses and educators, all licensed and certified in their respective fields. If you, a loved one, or someone in your care needs help, Ellis Hospital is the place to turn.

Our Mental Health Services offers a comprehensive array of programs to assist people in achieving good mental health. From crisis to recovery, and every step in between, we offer a team approach to mental health treatment, with communication and support as our cornerstones.

Additionally, we have a veteran staff of highly trained professionals and caregivers, many of whom have 10, 15 and even 20 or more years of experience! We work closely with the Schenectady County Office of Community Services to provide emergency services to our community in times of critical need, and also to create new programs as various needs arise.

Mental Health & Society

Mental illness is so common that one in five American families is affected by severe mental illness over the course of a lifetime. Despite the fact that so many people are affected by mental illness, it remains an illness obscured by stigmas and misconceptions.

Ellis Hospital's Mental Health Services wants to set the record straight, and let you to know the truth about mental illness.

Myth #1: People are at fault and responsible for their mental illnesses, and can just snap out of it.

Truth: You can't simply "snap out" of an illness. A person affected by mental illness needs medical attention and treatment, just as a person with heart disease, diabetes or any other medical condition requires. Mental illness is, in fact, an illness and there are effective treatments available.

Myth #2: Mental illness can't or won't happen to me.

Truth: Mental illness affects people from every walk of life and ethnic background, every level of education, the rich and the poor. Mental illness can affect anyone.

Myth #3: Mentally ill people are violent.

Truth: Many studies have shown that violence is actually less likely among the mentally ill members of our society.

Treating Mental Illness
Our message to those affected by mental illness is simple - there is hope.
People can and do recover from mental illnesses and go on to lead happy, productive and rewarding lives. There is effective help available, right here, at Ellis Hospital.

Crisis Information and Referral Hotline
(518) 243-3300
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Services

Inpatient Care .. for adults
Adolescent Treatment Center .. for children ages 11 through 18
Outpatient Mental Health Clinic .. for adults
Continuing Day Treatment Program .. for adults
Community-based Case Management .. for adults and young adults
Crisis Intervention Services … for adults and children
Social Club .. for adults and young adults
Peer Advocacy Program .. for adults
ECT Therapy Center

Ellis Hospital Mental Health Services
216 LaFayette Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
518-243-3300