Welcome to Psychiatry
The Behavioral Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens provides state of the art mental health treatment in a variety of settings.
Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
The Behavioral Health Center of Excellence of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens is concerned solely with serving the mental health needs of community. We offer a variety of services to meet the needs of each individual. Our mission is to restore mental and physical well-being in a private and compassionate setting.
Clinical Rotation Sites
Medicine
A medicine rotation is an essential part of the training for psychiatry residents, as it helps bridge the gap between physical and mental health. It ensures that residents are equipped to recognize and manage the medical complexities that can arise in psychiatric practice, improving their ability to deliver well-rounded patient care.
Our PGY-1 residents rotate in medicine at Queens Hospital Center for 6 months. They rotate 4 months in Internal Medicine and 2 months in Neurology.
Internal Medicine
The rotation at inpatient units in Internal Medicine allows residents to gain a deeper understanding of medical conditions and their interactions with mental health. This rotation helps ensure that psychiatry residents can appropriately manage and recognize the medical conditions that may present alongside psychiatric conditions. Residents get better understanding how medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders, can impact mental health and vice versa. They put emphasis on improving physical examination skills, particularly in relation to identifying signs of medical conditions that may present with psychiatric symptoms (e.g., hyperthyroidism, metabolic syndrome). They learn how to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in a medical setting, which aid in their management of psychiatric patients who may have co-existing medical conditions.
Neurology
A neurology rotation is a critical component of training that helps bridge the gap between brain and behavior, reinforcing the biological foundations of psychiatric illness. Our residents rotate both on inpatient unit and outpatient neurology clinic at Queens Hospital Center. Residents focus on neurological history and physical examination and gain knowledge on differentiation between psychiatric and neurological etiologies. They recognize neurologic symptoms that mimic psychiatric disorders (e.g., seizures, brain tumors, autoimmune encephalitis) and understand the interface between neurology and psychiatry (e.g., functional neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases). They learn to evaluate cognitive disorders, especially dementias and delirium and gain knowledge on neuropsychiatric manifestations of stroke, MS, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, etc.
Emergency Psychiatry
Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Services Program (CPEP):
Our CPEP offers 24-hour services in the Psychiatric Emergency Room. Individuals are assessed first by a nurse, then by a physician, and treatment decisions are made regarding care. Based on each individual’s needs, treatment is initiated and a referral for additional outpatient services is made or the patient is admitted to one of the inpatient behavioral health units.
The CPEP also offers an extended observation unit for patients who need crisis stabilization without requiring inpatient admission. Pastoral care and specialized care for those who are mentally and physically disabled are also available. Patients who need urgent care but not admission can walk in for an evaluation. Family members are counseled and connected with services as well. Patients are treated with kindness and respect.
Emergency Extended Length of Stay (EELOS): Our Child Psychiatry Emergency Room is a specialized unit to provide immediate assessment, intervention, and stabilization for children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health crises. EELOS is a secure, child-friendly environment under the pediatric department, designed to minimize stress and promote a sense of safety. The interdisciplinary team includes: Child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatric nurses, social workers, activity therapists and pediatricians. The goals are to ensure the immediate safety of the child and others, provide timely and compassionate psychiatric care, reduce trauma associated with emergency psychiatric visits and f acilitate continuity of care and long-term mental health support.
Inpatient Psychiatry
Inpatient services (two involuntary units, P5 and N3-total 53 beds) are available for patients suffering acute psychiatric symptoms. The patient is treated in a safe, therapeutic environment by experienced, caring staff. Physicians and other mental health professionals start and continue and update a diagnosis and treatment plan during the hospital stay.
Because of psychiatric illnesses, it may take several days to stabilize the patient. The entire multidisciplinary staff gets to know each patient and devotes themselves to making sure the patient receives the best overall care. Social workers meet with family members and the community to ensure each patient will have a safe place to continue treatment after release.
Inpatient psychiatry rotation is a core component of our psychiatric residency training. It provides psychiatry residents with hands-on experience managing patients with acute psychiatric conditions in a hospital setting. The rotation helps residents learning to psychiatric evaluations, including mental status exams, and makes DSM-5-based diagnoses. Residents gain experience managing psychiatric emergencies such as suicidal ideation, psychosis, aggression, and severe mood disorders and work as part of a multidisciplinary team (attending psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, 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 provide services to those who are in the hospital for medical conditions. Patients who show psychiatric symptoms or who want to talk to a psychiatrist can be evaluated, receive treatment, and are referred for other services. Residents learn and develop skills in the assessment and management of psychiatric symptoms in medically ill patients in inpatient settings. The goals are to help residents understanding the biopsychosocial impact of illness and hospitalization and improve communication skills with primary medical teams.
Integrated Medicine
Our Integrated Medicine Unit (B5W) provides psychiatry residents with essential exposure to and collaboration with primary care and other medical specialties. This approach enhances their understanding of the complex interplay between physical and mental health and prepares them for holistic, patient-centered care.
The goals are to improve understanding of common medical comorbidities in psychiatric populations, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, build confidence in managing physical health issues in psychiatric settings and emphasis on the medical-psychiatric interface in hospital settings. The services are supervised and coordinated with medical attendings, C&L psychiatrist and psychologist.
Community Psychiatry
At QHC, we provide Community Psychiatry Services through two units, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) Programs. The services are accessible, person-centered mental health care to individuals within our own communities. The focus is on early intervention, ongoing support, and recovery-oriented treatment delivered outside of institutional settings. These services aim to reduce hospital admissions, support reintegration, and improve overall mental well-being.
The goals are to understand the role of psychiatry in public health and community-based care and to gain exposure to the psychosocial determinants of mental illness. The rotation helps residents in developing skills working with underserved and marginalized populations and learning about local resources, housing programs, legal services, and systems of care for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
Assertive Community Treatment Program (ACT) A highly successful program recognized by New York State, ACT is developed to deliver treatment to patients with persistent mental illness who are unable or unwilling to continue care in the community. A Multidisciplinary team of doctors and mental healthcare workers provides services.
Assessment and services can be provided at home, in shelters, or wherever the patient chooses. This is a consumer-driven program: the patient decides what treatments to receive, which improves adherence to his treatment plan. The goal is to help the patient remain in the community and prevent him from being hospitalized.
Mobile Crisis Unit (MCT) Mental health professionals, family, or community members concerned about a loved one’s mental health can call the mobile crisis unit (a component of CPEP). A team consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, and social worker can call or visit the home or workplace and make an on-site assessment. The team can help link the patient to treatment and provide emergency evaluation and treatment if needed.
Forensic Psychiatry
Site: Elmhurst Hospital Center-Forensic Psychiatry Unit
This 14-bed unit is the sole provider of acute inpatient psychiatric care to the female forensic population of the City of New York. This rotation introduces residents to the forensic psychiatry within a secure inpatient setting. Residents gain exposure to the interface of psychiatry and the legal system, focusing on the assessment, management, and treatment of individuals with serious mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. Residents gain knowledge about basic legal standards relevant to forensic psychiatry (e.g., competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility). Residents observe and participate in discussions about legal processes such as court reports and legal hearings when available.
Adult Outpatient Psychiatry
Our adult ambulatory behavioral health services are focused to reduce stress and symptoms and improve the patient’s ability to function. We offer a wide range of services, from marital and bereavement counseling to those with severe impairment who need our Partial Hospital programs. Our goal is to help patient stay active in their community. A thorough assessment is done by our multi-disciplinary team. Each patient is assigned a therapist for treatment who will monitor his/her progress. If needed, a psychiatrist is assigned to help with adherence to treatment, help manage medication, and give referrals for other medical attention.
We offer a variety of treatment options: patients can receive individual, group, or family therapy, as well as marital and multifamily group therapy. They meet once or twice per week with their therapist. The newest and most effective medications are used to treat schizophrenia, depression, bipolar mood disorder, and anxiety disorders.
Children and Adolescents Outpatient Psychiatry
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health offers services for children and adolescents, from ages 3 to 17. There are a variety of services available, conveniently located in the Ambulatory Care Pavilion. Every patient is given a careful assessment and an individualized treatment plan. The goal is to help children improve social skills and manage symptoms so they can continue to achieve their developmental and educational goals.
The Clinic offers services such as individual, group, and family therapy and medication management for children ages 3 to 17 who have behavior problems, depression, anxiety disorders, hyperactivity, or who have suffered physical or sexual abuse.
Treatments help individuals develop and increase social skills, manage symptoms, and relieve anxiety and stress. Parents are counseled and educated on practical parenting techniques and behavior modification techniques to assist in the treatment of the child. Helpful advice is offered by experienced, caring mental health professionals.
The goals of outpatient psychiatry (adult and child & adolescent) for residents are to develop proficiency in the evaluation and longitudinal management of adult, child and adolescent psychiatric patients in an outpatient setting and gain experience in a range of treatment modalities including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and integrated care.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Our PHP is a structured mental health treatment program that’s more intensive than traditional outpatient care but does not require full-time hospitalization. It’s used for individuals who need significant support but can still safely live at home. This is for individuals recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric care people experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) that interfere with daily functioning but don’t require 24-hour supervision and patients who need intensive therapy to prevent hospitalization.
Our program is focused on various topics, like coping skills, emotion regulation, relapse prevention, strategies for recovery, etc.
The program provides an intensive support while maintaining everyday life activities and responsibilities.
- 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 offer a variety of treatment programs in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. We have over thirty years of experience and use the best, most effective methods for addressing addiction. Medical, psychological, social, and vocational issues are addressed to help patients attain sobriety. Credentialed and licensed staff work with patients to reach their goals.
Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Clinic
We offer an array of services based on the level of care needed. Patients receive group, family, and individual counseling. Twelve-step meetings are held onsite, as well as H.I.V. counseling and health education. We offer an array of services depending on the level of care needed. Rehabilitation patients come in three to five days a week, four hours a day, and receive group and individual counseling. These patients require a more intensive setting to help them address their addiction. Clinic patients need a less intensive program and can come in for therapies that concentrate on relapse skills, on building socialization skills, and developing coping skills. Evening clinic is available for students and employed individuals.
Geriatric Psychiatry
Our PGY-2 residents will rotate a 4-week block on our outpatient geriatric clinic. The rotation provides residents a specialized training focused on the mental health needs of elderly patients. Psychiatry residents would perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations of elderly patients and this includes recognizing symptoms of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, depression, psychosis, anxiety, insomnia and delirium. Residents will work alongside psychiatrist, geriatricians, nurses and social workers in helping to develop a holistic approach to patient care. They gain knowledge and understanding of the complexities of medication use in older adults, such as polypharmacy, medication side effects, and drug interactions.
Clinical Electives
Four months of elective time is scheduled during the PGY-4 year, during which experience is obtained in a clinical area of interest within the hospital or at other institutions. Popular electives have included Addiction Psychiatry, Emergency Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison, Reproductive Psychiatry, Palliative Medicine, Pain Management, Neurology and Electroconvulsive Therapy at Mount Sinai Hospital.
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 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 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.
We provide care for adult women of all ages, including adolescents transitioning to adult care, those navigating reproductive decisions, and women facing major life transitions or stressors. 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.