Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic, operating as part of Housing Works Mental Health Clinic, serves as an important outpatient mental health resource in New York City. This private non-profit organization provides a range of therapeutic services to diverse populations, including adults, seniors, young adults, and individuals with specialized needs. Located at 743-749 East 9th Street in New York, NY, the clinic functions as a Federally Qualified Health Center that combines mental health services with integrated primary care, offering a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery.
Clinic Overview and Mission
Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic operates as a community mental health center dedicated to serving individuals across various demographics and with diverse mental health needs. The clinic functions as an outpatient facility, meaning it provides therapeutic services without requiring overnight stays. As part of Housing Works, the clinic maintains a commitment to serving marginalized populations and those facing multiple challenges, including individuals with HIV or AIDS, those who have experienced trauma or intimate partner violence, and members of the LGBTQ community.
The clinic's operational model emphasizes accessibility through multiple payment options, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, state-financed health insurance plans other than Medicaid, and cash or self-payment. Additionally, the clinic implements a sliding fee scale based on income and other factors, ensuring that individuals who cannot afford full payment can still receive necessary services. This financial assistance approach aligns with the clinic's mission to provide care regardless of a patient's ability to pay.
Therapeutic Services and Interventions
Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic offers a spectrum of evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to address various mental health concerns. The therapeutic modalities available include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual psychotherapy
- Couples and family therapy
- Integrated treatment for co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
- Family psychoeducation
- Trauma therapy
The clinic also provides specialized services such as suicide prevention and intervention, which represent critical components of mental healthcare. These evidence-based approaches focus on developing coping skills, modifying maladaptive thought patterns, improving interpersonal relationships, and addressing underlying trauma that may contribute to mental health challenges.
For individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), the clinic incorporates psychotropic medications into treatment plans, including antipsychotics when clinically indicated. This medication management occurs alongside therapeutic interventions to provide comprehensive care that addresses both biological and psychological aspects of mental health conditions.
Specialized Treatment Programs
The clinic has developed specialized programs to address the unique needs of specific populations:
Integrated Mental and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic provides integrated treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. This dual diagnosis approach recognizes the complex interplay between these conditions and addresses them simultaneously rather than sequentially. The treatment model typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication management when appropriate, and case management services to address social determinants of health that may impact recovery.
Trauma-Informed Services
The clinic offers specialized services for individuals who have experienced trauma, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-informed care at Cylar House involves creating a safe environment, establishing trust, and employing therapeutic approaches specifically designed to address trauma symptoms without re-traumatization. While the specific therapeutic modalities for trauma treatment aren't detailed in the available information, the clinic recognizes trauma as a significant factor in many clients' mental health presentations.
Services for Specific Populations
Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic demonstrates particular commitment to serving several specialized populations:
- Persons 18 and older with serious mental illness
- Clients with HIV or AIDS
- Individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence or domestic violence
- Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
- Criminal justice clients (other than DUI/DWI)/Forensic clients
- Veterans
- Seniors or older adults
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) individuals
This inclusive approach ensures that individuals from various backgrounds and with diverse needs can access appropriate mental health services.
Integrated Care Model
A distinguishing feature of Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic is its integration of primary care services with behavioral health services. This integrated model recognizes the close connection between physical and mental health and addresses both simultaneously. The clinic's services include:
- Integrated primary care services
- Medical services including primary care, specialty services, and dental services
- On-site pharmacy services
- Health screenings
- Wellness workshops
This comprehensive approach allows for more holistic care, as physical health conditions can significantly impact mental health and vice versa. For example, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension becomes more effective when mental health factors such as depression or anxiety are also addressed.
Client Access and Care Delivery
The clinic has established multiple pathways for clients to access services, designed to accommodate various needs and preferences:
Appointment Process
The admission process for outpatient services at Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic typically involves:
- Referral to the center
- Intake assessment to evaluate mental health needs
- Treatment planning with the individual
- Appointment scheduling for therapy sessions or medication management
- Regular follow-up and review of progress
This structured approach ensures that each client receives an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs and circumstances.
Telehealth Services
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the clinic offers telemedicine and telehealth therapy options. This service delivery model expands access for individuals who may face barriers to in-person attendance, such as transportation challenges, mobility limitations, or scheduling constraints. Online booking is available for primary care Televisits with specific providers at the clinic.
Communication and Language Access
The clinic demonstrates commitment to accessibility through:
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Clear communication channels through phone contact (212-677-7999 x4202)
- Patient portal for access to medical records
- Release of information forms for sharing records with other providers
These services ensure that individuals with communication barriers can still access appropriate care and participate fully in their treatment process.
Payment and Insurance Options
Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic has established a comprehensive payment system designed to maximize accessibility:
Accepted Insurance Plans
The clinic accepts various insurance plans, including:
- Medicare (Parts A, B, and D)
- Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Obamacare plans purchased from the Health Care Marketplaces
This broad acceptance of insurance types helps reduce financial barriers to accessing mental health services.
Sliding Fee Scale
The clinic operates under a sliding fee scale payment model, meaning that patients pay according to their income level. This approach ensures that individuals with limited financial resources can still receive necessary services. The sliding scale considers factors beyond income, creating a more nuanced assessment of a patient's ability to pay.
Payment Options
Clients may pay for services through various methods:
- Cash
- Check
- Credit card
- Insurance reimbursement
- Self-payment
This flexibility in payment options accommodates different financial circumstances and preferences.
Facility Environment and Policies
Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic maintains specific policies designed to support a therapeutic environment:
- Smoking not permitted on premises
- Vaping not permitted on premises
- Commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for all clients
- Focus on trauma-informed care principles
These policies contribute to a treatment environment that prioritizes client safety and well-being while supporting recovery goals.
Staff Composition and Expertise
The clinic employs a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive services:
Clinical Staff
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Therapists
Support Staff
- Administrative Staff
While specific names of mental health providers are not detailed in the available information, Source 3 mentions several providers associated with primary care Televisits:
- Roslynn Glicksman, MD
- Alexa Lomongsod, NP
- Armel Dogruluk, NP
These professionals may provide integrated care services alongside mental health treatment.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Beyond direct clinical services, Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic engages with the broader community through various initiatives:
- Health screenings
- Wellness workshops
- Support groups
- Community outreach programs
These activities help promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and connect community members with needed resources.
Conclusion
Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic represents a valuable resource for mental healthcare in New York City, offering a comprehensive range of services through an integrated care model. The clinic's commitment to serving diverse populations, including those with complex needs and multiple challenges, demonstrates a client-centered approach to mental health treatment. By combining evidence-based therapeutic interventions with primary care services and maintaining accessible payment options, the clinic addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of health. The sliding fee scale and acceptance of various insurance types further enhance accessibility, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent individuals from receiving necessary care. Through its specialized programs for trauma, dual diagnosis, and specific populations, Cylar House provides tailored services that recognize the unique circumstances of each client. The clinic's trauma-informed approach, commitment to cultural competence, and integration of telehealth services reflect contemporary best practices in mental healthcare delivery. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Cylar House Behavioral Health Clinic contributes significantly to the mental health infrastructure of its community, offering hope and healing to individuals facing diverse psychological challenges.