(Albany, NY)- The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced the groundbreaking of a new outpatient behavioral health clinic in Gowanda, New York. The facility will offer outpatient services through the Office of Mental Health’s Buffalo Psychiatric Center and Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center, among other programs.

“The new, updated Zoar Valley Recovery and Treatment Center will offer Western New Yorkers a more convenient location for a wide range of community-based behavioral health services,” said Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan. “This spacious and modern facility is going to help New York State provide the comprehensive care much needed in the Gowanda community and beyond.”

Construction of the $1.5 million Zoar Valley Recovery and Treatment Center is now underway at 49 South Water Street in Gowanda. The 9,500 square foot state-of-the-art facility will be easily accessible by public transportation in its new downtown location. The new facility boasts twice the treatment space than that of the temporary location where the clinic has been operating since 2014. The modern setting will also improve security features to provide a safer environment for both patients and staff. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2017 and will result in about 50 direct and indirect construction jobs.

The new location will provide enough space to house the Buffalo Psychiatric Center’s traditional clinic services as well as the Family Care program, which provides residential support, and the community Mobile Integration Team, which serves southern Erie, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties with comprehensive mobile behavioral health services. It will also give the Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center a chance to expand its services to the Gowanda community, addressing the need for child and adolescent services throughout the area.

“The Village of Gowanda is excited for this new economic development within our business district.  It is part of Gowanda's strategic plan to eliminate blight and repurpose space, especially near our waterfront,” said Village of Gowanda Mayor Heather McKeever. “We are grateful for the efforts put in by our state officials, Savarino Companies, and Cattaraugus County IDA as they worked with the village to assure this new facility would be placed in a location which best serves our community.”

“This construction project marks a notable investment in Western New York by providing a beautiful building that is spacious, welcoming and respectful. It represents our dedication to serving the Gowanda community and our commitment to the treatment and recovery of our clients.” said Buffalo Psychiatric Center Executive Director Dr. Celia Spacone.

Zoar Valley Recovery and Treatment Center currently serves 250 individuals at its temporary location. That number is expected to increase in the new clinic as the facility explores a potential expansion of services, including telepsychiatry.