Welcome to Psychiatry
The Behavioral Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens offers advanced mental health services across a variety of settings.
Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
The Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens is dedicated exclusively to addressing the mental health needs of our community. We provide a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique requirements of each individual. Our mission is to promote mental and physical well-being in a private and compassionate environment.
Clinical Rotation Sites
Medicine
The medicine rotation is a fundamental aspect of psychiatry residency training, fostering an understanding of the interplay between physical and mental health. This essential experience equips residents with the skills to identify and manage the complexities that may arise in psychiatric practice, enhancing their capacity to deliver comprehensive patient care. Our PGY-1 residents engage in a 6-month rotation at Queens Hospital Center, spending 4 months in Internal Medicine and 2 months in Neurology.
Internal Medicine
The inpatient rotation in Internal Medicine provides residents with a thorough comprehension of medical conditions and their relationship with mental health. This experience helps psychiatry residents to effectively manage and recognize medical issues that may coexist with psychiatric disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding how conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders can influence mental health and vice versa. Residents enhance their physical examination skills, particularly in identifying medical conditions that may present with psychiatric symptoms, such as hyperthyroidism and metabolic syndrome. They gain proficiency in making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in a medical context, which is crucial for managing psychiatric patients with concurrent medical conditions.
Neurology
The neurology rotation is a vital element of training that reinforces the connection between brain function and behavior, emphasizing the biological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders. Residents experience both inpatient units and outpatient neurology clinics at Queens Hospital Center. Focus areas include neurological histories and physical examinations, allowing residents to differentiate between psychiatric and neurological causes. They learn to recognize neurologic symptoms that may mimic psychiatric conditions, such as seizures, brain tumors, and autoimmune encephalitis, while also exploring the intersection of neurology and psychiatry. This includes understanding functional neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Residents develop their skills in assessing cognitive disorders, especially dementias and delirium, as well as gaining insight into the neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
Emergency Psychiatry
Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Services Program (CPEP):
Our Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) is dedicated to providing around-the-clock services in the Psychiatric Emergency Room. Upon arrival, individuals undergo an initial assessment by a nursing professional, followed by evaluation by a physician. Treatment decisions are made based on the unique needs of each individual. Subsequently, treatment is commenced, with referrals made for outpatient services or, if necessary, admission to one of our inpatient behavioral health units. The CPEP also incorporates an extended observation unit (EOU) dedicated to patients requiring crisis stabilization without the need for inpatient admission. Patients in need of urgent care, but not inpatient accommodation, are welcome to walk in for an evaluation. Family members receive counseling and are guided toward appropriate services as well. Throughout the process, patients are treated with the utmost kindness and respect.
Emergency Extended Length of Stay (EELOS):
Our Child Psychiatry Emergency Room serves as a specialized unit aimed at delivering immediate assessment, intervention, and stabilization for children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health crises. This secure, child-friendly environment, is designed to reduce stress and foster a sense of safety. Our interdisciplinary team consists of child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians, pediatric nurses, social workers and activity therapists. The primary objectives are to ensure the immediate safety of the child and others, provide compassionate psychiatric care, mitigate trauma associated with emergency psychiatric visits, and facilitate continuity of care and long-term mental health support.
Inpatient Psychiatry
Inpatient services, including two involuntary units (P5 and N3, totaling 53 beds), are available for patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms. Patients receive care in a safe, therapeutic environment from a team of experienced and compassionate staff. Throughout the hospital stay, physicians and mental health professionals work diligently to establish, update, and refine diagnosis and treatment plans.
Given the nature of psychiatric illnesses, it may take several days to achieve patient stabilization. Our dedicated multidisciplinary staff prioritizes getting to know each patient, ensuring that they receive the highest quality of care throughout their treatment. Social workers engage with family members and the broader community to confirm that each patient has a safe environment for continued treatment following discharge.
The inpatient psychiatry rotation represents a fundamental aspect of our psychiatric residency training program. This rotation equips psychiatry residents with invaluable hands-on experience managing patients with acute psychiatric conditions within a hospital setting. Residents learn to conduct psychiatric evaluations, including mental status examinations, and are trained to make diagnoses based on DSM-5 criteria. They gain experience in managing psychiatric emergencies such as suicidal ideation, psychosis, aggression, and severe mood disorders while functioning as integral members of a multidisciplinary team, which includes attending psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and activity therapists.
It helps residents understanding in formulating biopsychosocial treatment plans, including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and coordination of care.
Consultation & Liaison Psychiatry
Our Consultation and Liaison team offers vital services for patients admitted to the hospital with medical conditions. Those displaying psychiatric symptoms or seeking to speak with a psychiatrist can undergo evaluation, receive appropriate treatment, and be referred for additional services. Residents are trained to assess and manage psychiatric symptoms in patients who are medically ill in an inpatient environment. Our objectives include fostering an understanding of the biopsychosocial impacts of illness and hospitalization, as well as enhancing communication skills with primary medical teams.
Integrated Medicine
The Integrated Medicine Unit (B5W) plays a crucial role in providing psychiatry residents with invaluable exposure to collaboration with primary care and other medical specialties. This integrative approach deepens their understanding of the intricate relationship between physical and mental health, equipping them for holistic, patient-centered care.
Our goals include improving familiarity with common medical comorbidities in psychiatric populations, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, instilling confidence in managing physical health issues within psychiatric settings, and emphasizing the medical-psychiatric interface in hospital environments. Services are overseen and coordinated by medical attendings and C&L psychiatrists and psychologists.
Community Psychiatry
At Queens Hospital Center, we offer Community Psychiatry Services through our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) Programs. These services are designed to deliver accessible, person-centered mental health care to individuals within their own communities. We focus on early intervention, sustained support, and recovery-oriented treatment outside institutional settings, aiming to reduce hospital admissions, facilitate reintegration, and enhance overall mental well-being. Our objectives encompass understanding the role of psychiatry in public health and community-based care, as well as gaining insights into the psychosocial determinants of mental illness. This rotation aids residents in developing competencies in working with underserved and marginalized populations while familiarizing them with local resources, housing programs, legal services, and systems of care for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
Assertive Community Treatment Program (ACT)
The ACT program, recognized by New York State for its effectiveness, is designed to provide treatment for patients with persistent mental illness who are unable or unwilling to seek care within the community. A multidisciplinary team of physicians and mental health professionals delivers these essential services.
Assessment and services are available in various settings, including the patient’s home, shelters, or any location of their preference. This is a consumer-driven initiative, allowing patients to select their desired treatments, ultimately enhancing their adherence to the prescribed treatment plans. The primary objective is to support patients in remaining within their community and to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
Mobile Crisis Unit (MCT)
Individuals concerned about a loved one’s mental health—whether they are mental health professionals, family members, or other community stakeholders—can contact the mobile crisis unit, a subdivision of CPEP. A specialized team comprising a psychiatrist, psychologist, and social worker can offer consultations either via phone or by visiting the home or workplace to conduct an on-site assessment. This team is equipped to connect patients with treatment options and to provide emergency evaluations and interventions as required.
Forensic Psychiatry
Site: Elmhurst Hospital Center-Forensic Psychiatry Unit
This 14-bed unit is the exclusive provider of acute inpatient psychiatric care for the female forensic population in New York City. This rotation offers residents an opportunity to engage with forensic psychiatry in a secure inpatient environment. Residents will gain insights into the intersection of psychiatry and the legal system, specifically focusing on the assessment, management, and treatment of individuals with severe mental illnesses who are entangled in the criminal justice system. Knowledge about fundamental legal standards pertinent to forensic psychiatry, such as competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility, will be developed. Residents will also have opportunities to observe and engage in discussions about legal processes, including court reports and legal hearings, whenever accessible.
Outpatient Psychiatry Services
The primary objectives of our outpatient psychiatry services, catering to both adults and children & adolescents, are to enhance proficiency in evaluating and managing psychiatric patients in an outpatient environment. Our residents gain valuable experience across various treatment modalities such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and integrated care.
Our treatment programs are designed to assist individuals in developing essential social skills, managing symptoms, and alleviating anxiety and stress. Our team of experienced and compassionate mental health professionals is dedicated to providing valuable advice throughout the process.
Adult Outpatient Psychiatry
Our adult ambulatory behavioral health services aim to alleviate stress, reduce symptoms, and enhance patients’ functional abilities. We provide a comprehensive array of services ranging from marital and bereavement counseling to more intensive support for individuals experiencing severe impairments, including Partial Hospital programs. Our mission is to facilitate patients’ ongoing engagement within their communities. A thorough assessment is conducted by a multidisciplinary team, and each patient is paired with a dedicated therapist to oversee their treatment progress. When necessary, a psychiatrist will be assigned to assist with treatment adherence, medication management, and referrals for additional medical care.
We offer a spectrum of treatment modalities, including individual, group, and family therapy, in addition to marital and multifamily group therapy sessions, which typically occur once or twice weekly. We utilize the latest and most effective medications to address conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.
Children and Adolescents Outpatient Psychiatry
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health provides services to children and adolescents aged 3 to 17. A diverse selection of services is conveniently located within the Ambulatory Care Pavilion. Every patient undergoes a meticulous assessment, leading to a tailored treatment plan. The aim is to assist children in enhancing their social skills and effectively managing symptoms, allowing them to meet their developmental and educational objectives.
The Clinic provides a comprehensive range of services, including individual, group, and family therapy, as well as medication management for children aged 3 to 17. Our focus is on addressing behavioral issues, depression, anxiety disorders, hyperactivity, and the effects of physical or sexual abuse.
Partial Hospitalization Program
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured mental health treatment initiative that provides more intensive support than traditional outpatient care without necessitating full-time hospitalization. This program is suitable for individuals who require substantial assistance but can still live safely at home. It is designed for those who have recently been discharged from inpatient psychiatric care or are experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, which hinder their daily functioning but do not require 24-hour supervision. Additionally, it caters to patients who need intensive therapy to avoid hospitalization. Our program encompasses various critical topics, including coping skills, emotion regulation, relapse prevention, and strategies for recovery. It offers robust support while allowing participants to maintain their daily life responsibilities.
Key features of our PHP include:
- Continuity of care for people transitioning from inpatient settings.
- Opportunity to practice coping strategies in real-world environments between sessions.
Addiction Psychiatry
Our chemical dependency services provide a comprehensive range of treatment programs within a secure, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere. With over thirty years of experience, we employ proven, effective methods to address addiction, ensuring that medical, psychological, social, and vocational issues are carefully managed to facilitate patients’ journeys towards sobriety. Our team of credentialed and licensed professionals collaborates closely with patients to help them achieve their personal recovery goals.
Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Clinic
We offer a variety of services tailored to the level of care required. Patients benefit from group, family, and individual counseling, and health education. Rehabilitation patients attend sessions three to five days a week for four hours each day, receiving both group and individual counseling to provide the intensive support necessary for confronting addiction. For those in need of a less intensive program, our clinic patients engage in therapies focused on relapse prevention skills, building socialization abilities, and developing coping strategies. We also offer evening clinic hours to accommodate students and working individuals.
Geriatric Psychiatry
Our PGY-2 residents undertake a four-week rotation in our outpatient geriatric clinic, designed to provide specialized training that addresses the mental health needs of elderly patients. During this rotation, residents carry out comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, which include recognizing symptoms associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, depression, psychosis, anxiety, insomnia, and delirium. They collaborate with psychiatrists, geriatricians, nurses, and social workers to foster a holistic approach to patient care. This experience enriches their understanding of the complexities surrounding medication use in older adults, including issues related to polypharmacy, medication side effects, and potential drug interactions.
Clinical Electives
In the PGY-4 year, residents are granted four months of elective time, allowing them to gain experience in specific clinical areas of interest, either within the hospital or at affiliated institutions. Commonly pursued electives include Addiction Psychiatry, Emergency Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Reproductive Psychiatry, Palliative Medicine, Pain Management, Neurology, and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
Research Rotation
A research rotation in psychiatry residency is a valuable experience for residents who are interested in advancing their academic careers or developing a deeper understanding of the evidence behind clinical practices. Our PGY-4 residents will work and complete of their research projects during 4-week of their research rotation. They will learn to design, implement, and analyze research projects and prepare of the publications. They will gain experience with various methodologies, like clinical trials, observational studies, and qualitative research. Research rotations provide residents with an opportunity to contribute to advancing the field of psychiatry by publishing findings in academic journals or presenting at conferences.
Reproductive Psychiatry
Our reproductive psychiatry service focuses on the mental health needs of individuals during times of hormonal and reproductive transitions. These services are provided by a psychiatrist who has specialized training in both psychiatry and reproductive health.
Our service provides compassionate, comprehensive mental health care tailored to the unique experiences and needs of women during pregnancy and postpartum mental health. We understand that biological, psychological, and social factors play a significant role in women’s mental health, and our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists with expertise in women’s mental health, working closely with therapists, primary care providers, and OB/GYNs to ensure coordinated and holistic care. We emphasize a collaborative model, valuing your voice and preferences in every step of the treatment process.
On-Site School Program
This highly successful program has been operating in New York City public schools for over twenty years. Currently, P.S. 160, P.S. 154, and Jamaica High School have on-site programs for students. Students who need help with behavior issues, hyperactivity, depression, or anxiety can receive therapy during regular school hours. Medication management is also provided if needed.
The on-site psychologist assesses the student. The psychologist, parents, and the child’s teacher work together to help each child. Because the team is in the school, the psychologist can observe the child and quickly make changes in the treatment plan. This program is funded by the New York City Department of Mental Health.