Stony Brook Children’s Hospital has launched the Child and Adolescent Resource for Emotional Health (CARE) Initiative to address the increasing mental health needs of students in Suffolk County. The program connects local schools, students, and families with pediatric specialists from Stony Brook Medicine, aiming to deliver timely and comprehensive care.
The CARE Initiative was developed after surveys and needs assessments revealed a significant demand for behavioral health support among school districts. “We did a number of surveys and needs assessments across Long Island and then more specifically across Suffolk County,” said Susan Wilner, Director of Behavioral Health Strategic Initiatives at Stony Brook Medicine. “What we found was nothing shocking — the districts were asking for a lot of things, from gynecology to orthopedics — but most importantly, they wanted help with behavioral health. That’s where the CARE initiative began.”
Initially focused on behavioral health services, the program now provides access to pediatrics, neuropsychological testing, and other specialties. “It’s starting primarily with behavioral health, but already provides access to pediatrics, neuropsych testing, and other specialties,” Wilner said. “Our goal is to meet the needs of districts when they identify students who, in the past, might have otherwise been sent to an emergency room.”
Participation in CARE is limited to referrals from participating school districts. Referrals can be made by school personnel, coaches, parents or guardians, or even by students themselves.
The multidisciplinary team includes specialists in psychiatry and behavioral health as well as neurology, orthopedics, neuropsychology, and developmental medicine. Partnerships extend to organizations such as the Quannacut Substance Use Disorder Clinic and Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare.
Since its start in September with several districts including East Islip and Port Jefferson—and new ones joining in January—the initiative offers rapid psychiatric assessments for students in crisis along with short-term counseling and medication management. Wilner explained: “When a school identifies a student who’s struggling, we can assess them right away. For those who need ongoing support, we provide up to six counseling sessions and, if necessary, medication. If they need longer-term care, we help connect them to another provider with a warm handoff. The goal is to keep students safe, supported, and whenever possible in school.”
Through its CARE Call Center, schools can request help for various issues ranging from urgent evaluations for crises to autism assessments or testing for learning concerns.
The initiative also focuses on education and prevention through monthly professional development sessions for staff and parent workshops within each district. Complex case reviews are available as needed.
To foster communication among stakeholders, CARE distributes a monthly newsletter covering behavioral health topics and resources available within the community. “It’s another way to keep schools and families connected,” said Wilner. “This is only our second month but the feedback so far has been incredibly positive.”
CARE operates from multiple locations across Suffolk County—including Riverhead and Commack—with further expansion planned. Both virtual visits during school hours and on-site appointments are available.
Wilner highlighted that financial barriers will not prevent access: “If a family has insurance we’ll bill insurance as usual,” she said. “If they’re uninsured or underinsured we’ll still see them. No one gets turned away.”
Looking forward, there are plans to extend CARE into more districts throughout Suffolk County as discussions continue with additional schools about joining next year.
“We’re doing what we’re trained to do,” Wilner concluded. “And by working hand in hand with our schools we can make sure every student has the support they need to thrive.”
School districts interested in joining can contact sbcareinfo@stonybrookmedicine.edu.