St. Lawrence County residents experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis will continue to have access to immediate 24/7 support over the phone.
Starting immediately, residents experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis can call 315-265-2422, which is a 24-hour phone line connected to Citizen Advocates’ Ogdensburg Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center. The Ogdensburg clinic is one of three 24/7 mental health and addiction clinics operated by Citizen Advocates who has provided services in St. Lawrence County since 2019.
“Reachout has diligently provided 24-hour support via the crisis line to residents over several decades – it’s an honor to continue their work,” said Kati Jock, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Citizen Advocates. “Citizen Advocates is deeply grateful to the St. Lawrence County Community Services Board for the trust they have placed in us to develop a comprehensive behavioral health crisis program within the County.”
“Ensuring that St. Lawrence County residents have continuous access to high-quality crisis care is a top priority for the Community Services Board,” said Jay Ulrich, Director of the County’s Community Services. “We are pleased to partner with Citizen Advocates to maintain this vital 24/7 crisis line, providing individuals and families with immediate support when they need it most. This service is key to strengthening our community’s mental health and addiction recovery resources, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have.”
Officially referred to as County-wide Comprehensive Crisis Service, Citizen Advocates is initially providing crisis evaluation over the telephone, with plans to expand the program later in the year. The 24/7 crisis line will be fully operational while recruitment, training and outreach is conducted with the goal of launching the mobile response aspect of the service in the Fall of 2025.
How the service works
In the event of a mental health or addiction crisis, after dialing 315-265-2422, callers will press ‘1’ for crisis, connecting them immediately with a trained member of the clinical team at the Ogdensburg Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center.
Every caller, depending on their needs, will have access to mental health and addiction treatment professionals. Each situation will be carefully evaluated with a safety plan for the initial crisis developed in real time depending on the needs of the individual.
After the initial call, follow up services will be provided within 24 hours. The individual will be encouraged to engage, or re-engage in outpatient services if there wasn’t a need for a higher level of care. If needed, the higher level of care could be provided within the Citizen Advocates network of care – including the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center or through the inpatient addiction services available at St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers in Saranac Lake. If necessary, Citizen Advocates will work to ensure the individual is connected with other providers, depending on the need.
To access services in person, St. Lawrence County residents can visit the Ogdensburg Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center at 1003 Park Street, Ogdensburg on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week basis, and the integrated outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic at 16 Phillips Street, Massena, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is needed.
To learn more about the 24/7 mental health and addiction services available at Citizen Advocates, visit CitizenAdvocates.net/24-7.
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