Northwell expands behavioral health services for Long Island residents
Northwell Health has announced that it has entered into affiliation agreements with Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services (CN Guidance) and Family Service League (FSL) to expand access to quality behavioral health services for Long Island residents.
Responding to increasing demand for behavioral health services both locally and nationwide, the agreement aims to streamline referral processes for area residents between the two community-based organizations and Northwell facilities.
“The need for behavioral health care on Long Island is enormous, with many people unable to access the right services at the right time,” said John Q. Young, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and senior vice president and chair for Behavioral Health Services at Northwell. “Working together, Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL will now be able to better meet the escalating needs of our communities for mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders.”
FSL has implemented a 24-hour crisis stabilization center, and CN Guidance plans to open one of its own in 2025. Patients already being seen by CN Guidance and FSL professionals can now be referred to Northwell’s facilities for more coordinated, complex care through Northwell’s extensive roster of health services.
“Family Service League looks forward to continuing to work closely with Northwell Health to improve access to holistic care, further our integrated service delivery models and improve quality outcomes, all of which strengthens the client’s experience and will have a positive impact on our community,” said Karen Boorshtein, president and CEO of FSL. The Huntington-based organization, established in 1926, serves more than 50,000 people each year through mental health programs at 20 locations.
CN Guidance, based in Hicksville, offers 60 human services programs focused on mental health and substance use, including specialized programs for veterans, youth, older adults and those with residential care needs. “This partnership will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jeffrey Friedman, CEO, CN Guidance. “By leveraging Northwell’s resources and expertise, we can expand our services, further reduce wait times, and improve overall patient experience and outcomes.”
Northwell, New York State’s largest health care provider, operates two specialty behavioral health hospitals – South Oaks Hospital in Amityville and Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, Queens – and offers a host of inpatient and outpatient care options across the greater New York region.
“Northwell has worked closely and productively with CN Guidance and FSL for many years and we understand the enormously positive impact they make in our communities,” said Michael Scarpelli, executive director of South Oaks and Zucker Hillside hospitals. “These affiliation agreements will foster even greater collaboration and strategic partnership to help more Long Islanders get the high-quality behavioral health care they need when they need it.”
Northwell plans to create a Virtual Navigation Hub to help connect patients with the most appropriate and timely care, leveraging its affiliations with CN Guidance and FSL professionals.
These agreements are particularly timely in that September is National Recovery Month as well as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. If you or a loved one are having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with a lifeline specialist for support.
For more information or to book an appointment, call (888) 321-DOCS or go to: https://www.northwell.edu/behavioral-health.
