BREAKING: The Children’s Way Counseling Center officially opened its doors in Kingston, NY, on January 15, 2026, making an immediate impact by serving 86 children and families just months after its initial soft launch in October 2025. Located at 368 Broadway, Suite 301, within the Ulster County Center for Well-Being, this facility is the first of its kind in the region, providing essential mental health services tailored for children and adolescents.
This urgent initiative comes in response to a growing demand for accessible youth mental health services in Ulster County. Officials confirmed that the center offers a range of services, including early assessment, outpatient treatment, crisis intervention, and psychiatric care. “This is exactly the kind of resource our community needs — one that meets children where they are, supports families, and provides the care they need,” stated Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger during the grand opening ceremony.
The center, administered by the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, aims to create a sustainable and supportive environment for families grappling with mental health challenges. Metzger emphasized the importance of the center’s extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. four days a week, which provides greater accessibility for working parents.
Nearly 50 attendees, including state Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and representatives from U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan’s office, gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant milestone for community mental health resources. The center aims to support children as young as five, highlighting its commitment to early intervention.
Children’s Way offers a comprehensive package of services, including individual and family psychotherapy, medication management, and crisis intervention, all designed to create a holistic approach to mental health care. The center collaborates closely with local school-based mental health providers and the Ulster County Crisis Support Center, ensuring a coordinated effort in addressing the needs of the community.
Metzger noted, “When we first envisioned the Center for Well-Being, I spoke about creating a place where people of all ages could access the mental health care they need in a welcoming and supportive environment. Today’s ribbon-cutting is a major step in bringing this to life.”
For families seeking assistance, Children’s Way is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more or to request an evaluation, visit their website at http://bit.ly/4qaPoxb or call (845) 386-0083.
The Ulster County Crisis Support Center, which recently opened alongside Children’s Way at the Center for Well-Being, also provides vital 24/7 support for mental health and substance use crises. Operated by People USA, this peer-led initiative aims to deliver immediate intervention and follow-up care, creating a comprehensive support system for individuals of all ages.
As the need for mental health services grows, the opening of the Children’s Way Counseling Center represents a crucial resource for families in Ulster County, ensuring that children and adolescents receive the care they deserve. This development is poised to reshape the mental health landscape in the region, making it imperative for community members to engage with these new services.
