The ribbon-cutting at Ulster County’s new Center for Well-Being on Wednesday in Kingston. The facility consolidates behavioral health, crisis response, youth mental health and victim support programs under one roof.
Courtesy of Ulster County
KINGSTON — Ulster County officials on Wednesday celebrated the opening of the Center for Well-Being, a four-story facility intended to expand access to mental health, substance use and crisis support services across the county.
County Executive Jen Metzger joined state mental health officials, local leaders and service providers at the facility at 368 Broadway in Kingston. Behavioral health, crisis response, youth mental health and victim support programs will be consolidated under one roof.
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The center’s first floor houses the Ulster County Crisis Support Center, which had a soft opening in January through a partnership between People USA and the county Department of Mental Health. The center operates around the clock and has walk-in services for youth and adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises.
Services include clinical assessments, peer support, intervention and follow-up care coordination, according to a news release from the county. Officials said it is designed to provide an alternative to emergency room visits and give law enforcement more options for diverting people in crisis.
“The Center for Well-Being represents a major step forward in how we care for the health of our community,” Metzger said in a statement. “For the first time, residents can access a full continuum of behavioral health and wellness services under one roof and receive compassionate care in a supportive environment.”
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Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan, commissioner of the state Office of Mental Health, said the Kingston facility is the first Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center in the Mid-Hudson region.
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“These centers help individuals and families avoid visits to often busy hospital emergency rooms, providing high-quality treatment and vital connections to community-based services,” Sullivan said.
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan said he had pushed for the project while serving as Ulster County executive.
“Mental healthcare is vital healthcare — that’s why I fought hard to get this project off the ground as Ulster County executive, and why I am so proud to see it completed today,” Ryan said.
The facility also includes urgent behavioral healthcare services operated by Access: Supports for Living, the county’s Crime Victims Assistance Program and a new youth mental health clinic run by the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, serving people ages 5 to 21.
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The county Department of Mental Health will occupy the building’s fourth floor with administrative offices and program coordination services.
Ulster County Legislature Chair Peter Criswell said lawmakers viewed the project as a long-term investment when allocating federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.
“This isn’t just a building — it’s a permanent home for healing, and it will be serving our neighbors, their families, and their children for years to come,” Criswell said in a statement.
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County officials said the project was developed through partnerships among Ulster County government, People USA, Access: Supports for Living, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie and the state Office of Mental Health, with support from federal ARPA funding approved by the County Legislature. More information about the Center for Well-Being is available on the county’s website.