Albany, NY – Access to Psychiatry through Intermediate Care (APIC) –  a mobile psychiatric care and case management program - has been honored at the New York State Office of Mental Health’s "What’s Great in our State 2018" event. The annual event, held May 8 in Albany, celebrates the people and programs making a difference in the field of children’s mental health.

APIC is a behavioral health resource in Western New York that focuses on the emotional needs of children and young adults with Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. It was recognized for its dedication to serving this vulnerable population and its tireless efforts to help children and their families get the service and support they need.

“APIC is a perfect example of how the expertise and dedication of a small group of people can make a significant impact for children and families that face mental health and developmental issues,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan. “We thank APIC and each of our honorees for their hard work and commitment to children’s mental health.”

APIC works to remove barriers to treatment and reduce hospitalization, residential placement, arrest, and poly-pharmacy. The team meets with clients in their homes and community, and partners with every entity that plays a role in the life of the person receiving services.

It was nominated for its duplicable program model and ability to understand and guide the people and families it serve.

“The APIC Program is honored to be recognized for providing in-home psychiatric services and case management to developmentally disabled individuals and their families who are unable to access traditional care across New York State” said Janell Van Cleve, Clinical Director of the University at Buffalo-based program.  “Our goal is to prevent avoidable system use and to maximize an individual’s developmental trajectory. In our first three years, we have served more than 500 individuals and their families performing more than 1,000 home visits.  During this time, APIC has reduced emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and family distress levels by 30%, 40%, and 50%, respectively.”

To learn more about APIC, visit https://bit.ly/2F4pYLd.

 ‘What’s Great in Our State’

‘What’s Great in Our State’ is an annual event hosted by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the New York State Council on Children and Families, and a number of children’s mental health advocacy organizations in order to celebrate the individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State. The event features a reading of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement proclaiming the week as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, a ceremony recognizing our honorees, and an art show featuring artwork created by children receiving services from New York State’s mental health system. This year’s event will also feature two keynote speakers and a moderated round-table discussion featuring the awardees.

The event coincides with Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, a national movement that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and to show that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development from birth.