WTEN: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports - $3.2 Million Grant To Set Up Mental Health Center
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1.4 Million New Yorkers suffer from both mental health and substance abuse conditions.
But when they are treated for them it usually happens in separate clinics, one for mental health and one for substance abuse, burdening the health care system. And more importantly making it difficult for a patient to get help.
Now a new $3.2 million dollar grant will establish a first of its kind center of excellence to transform the way they treat patients by integrating mental health and substance abuse services.
Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo, from the New York State Office of Acohol & Substance Abuse says, "It is not one system taking over another. It is finally looking at a person centered approach to care. And saying emphatically if you need treatment for a dual diagnosis you will get it in the place that you go. Whether it will be a mental health clinic and program, or a substance abuse program."
