Bridge to Hope Program

An Alternative to Residential Treatment (ART) program for adolescents

Bridge to Hope (BTH) is a 3-6-month program for adolescents who cannot attend an intensive program like the Youth IOP but still need skilled and compassionate care for mental health challenges such as serious emotional disturbance (SED) and suicidal behaviors. Through BTH, young people get support and guidance to handle their challenges now and in the future while remaining at home with their families. At The Child Center of NY, we never consider it too early or late to start young people on the path toward healthy and fulfilling lives they are proud to live.

Locations:

Cohen Family Wellness Center
43-08 52nd Street, Second Floor
Woodside, NY 11377

Macari Family Wellness Center
140-15B Sanford Avenue, Second Floor
Flushing, NY 11355

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Diana Michelena, LMHC
Program Coordinator
dianamichelena@childcenterny.org
Office: 718-458-4243 ext. 10108
Cell: 929-418-1430
Fax: 718-458-4481

Languages:

Cantonese
English
Mandarin
Romanian
Spanish

We also utilize an interpretation service so that we can provide services to clients who speak any language.

Treatment includes:

Therapy by licensed mental health professionals, including individual, family, and group therapy
Education/vocational support to help clients envision and plan for a bright future based on their individual strengths
Care coordination and peer services to prevent psychiatric hospitalization or out-of-home placement
Access to medication services by a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner
Special events designed to help youth develop skills to improve their overall well-being. This includes creative arts therapy and mindfulness activities.

Client interest form Provider referral form

Our evidence-based treatment approach includes:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
The Safety Alternatives for Teens and Youth (SAFETY) program developed by UCLA

Projected program outcomes:

Prevention of psychiatric hospitalization and residential treatment. The Child Center always does everything we can to ensure a safe home environment so that children can get the help they need while remaining with their families.
Improved school attendance
Stabilization of psychiatric symptoms
Reduced interpersonal conflicts and disruptive behavior
Increased coping skills so that program participants can meet challenges constructively now and in the future
Improved family involvement
Improved parenting skills. Our 70 years of experience have shown that the vast majority of parents want to and will do well by their children, given the right skills and support—tools that we provide.

Eligibility:

To be considered for the Bridge to Hope Program, clients need to demonstrate all of the following:

Serious emotional disturbance (SED) and high risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors
Absence of active suicidal ideation or dangerousness to self or others that requires immediate care or 24-hour observation
Impairment in the social, academic, and psychological areas that prevents functioning in less intense therapeutic settings
Consistent commitment to attending and completing the program
Parent/caregiver/guardian involvement, including willingness to participate in therapeutic activities and ability to provide adequate support/supervision
Client must be age 12-17

Program Costs

Medicaid and many third-party insurance plans are accepted. Fees for individuals without insurance are determined based on a sliding fee scale. All are welcome to our Center, and we will find a financial solution based on your individual financial situation.

Funding and Support

The Bridge to Hope Program is made possible through the funding and support of Queens Community Board 2, New York State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (34th Assembly District), and the following entities. We extend our deepest thanks.