Children’s Crisis Respite Programs

Children’s Crisis Respite Programs, located in Syracuse, provide short-term respite services for Central New York youth ages 5-18 years old.

The Children’s Crisis Respite Programs, named Heron Hall and White Pine Hall, provide a safe and accessible environment for young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. During their stay, the young person receives support, guidance, and therapy from trained professionals. This allows them the breathing room to heal and separate from stressors.

The family receives short-term relief from the crisis and the opportunity to prepare for the child to return home successfully.

“The Elmcrest staff was warm and welcoming, very involved, and focused on assisting my son in any way possible. In many ways, the staff went above and beyond what he previously experienced during a mental health crisis. He was even able to attend his regular school and sports while at Elmcrest. This was easily one of the most traumatic experiences we have weathered together as a family, but we came out of this relieved that our ONLY option was not just straight to another emergency room or hospital setting. Elmcrest is setting the bar for high quality mental health care in Central New York. The children in our community need this resource now more than ever.”   – Struse Family

Children’s Crisis Respite Programming Includes:

  • Mental Health Assessment
  • Family Support
  • Individual Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Coordination of Services
  • Behavior Support
  • One-to-One Monitoring (as needed)

White Pine Hall and Heron Hall each consist of six individual bedrooms.

Youth can stay for several weeks. During their stay, treatment focuses on resolving conflict and de-escalating crises.

Disruption to daily life is limited, as youth can: continue to attend their regular school, participate in extracurricular activities, and attend treatment sessions with their existing mental health providers.

Papers

Referral Process

Anyone may refer a young person to Children’s Crisis Respite. No diagnosis or mental health treatment history is required. The most common referral sources are: family members, hospitals, schools, and mental healthcare providers. Children’s Crisis Respite is paid for by the youth’s health insurance. Inquiries about out-of-pocket cost are best directed to the insurance company.

Steps to referring a young person:

For general information, please contact the Director of Crisis Respite Services:
Dan Burns, LCSW

p. 315-446-6250, ext. 378

e. dburns@elmcrest.org