On Long Island, health system expands access to behavioral health services

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A health system is expanding access to behavioral health services for Long Islanders, thanks to new affiliation agreements formed with local nonprofits.

Northwell Health, headquartered in New Hyde Park, has entered into affiliation agreements with Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services (CN Guidance) and Family Service League (FSL) to expand access to quality behavioral health services in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The effort comes at a time of increasing demand for behavioral health services across all demographics, both locally and nationwide. Northwell operates two specialty behavioral health hospitals – South Oaks Hospital in Amityville and Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, Queens – providing inpatient and outpatient care options across the region.

The new affiliation agreements will allow Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL to advance their common goal of creating a stronger, deeper network of care for people in the communities they serve.

The collaboration aims to provide smoother referral processes for area residents between these community-based organizations and Northwell facilities. Both CN Guidance and FSL are implementing 24-hour crisis stabilization centers, with FSL’s open now and CN Guidance’s opening in 2025. In addition, patients already being seen by CN Guidance and FSL professionals can be referred for more coordinated, complex care through Northwell’s extensive roster of health services. These relationships will expand access to care in service to the diverse behavioral health needs across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Northwell has worked closely and productively with CN Guidance and FSL for many years and we understand the enormously positive impact they make in our communities,” said Michael Scarpelli, executive director of South Oaks and Zucker Hillside hospitals. “These affiliation agreements will foster even greater collaboration and strategic partnership to help more Long Islanders get the high-quality behavioral health care they need when they need it.”

“The need for behavioral health care on Long Island is enormous, with many people unable to access the right services at the right time,” Dr. John Young, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and senior vice president and chair for Behavioral Health Services at Northwell, said in a news release about the affiliation agreements.

“Working together, Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL will now be able to better meet the escalating needs of our communities for mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders,” Young said.

The affiliations aim to provide deep roots in the region. Huntington-based Family Service League, for example, was established in 1926. The organization serves more than 50,000 people each year – from children to seniors as well as the underserved and homeless – through 60 mental health programs at 20 locations.

“Family Service League looks forward to continuing to work closely with Northwell Health to improve access to holistic care, further our integrated service delivery models and improve quality outcomes,” Karen Boorshtein, president and CEO of FSL, said in the news release. “All of which strengthens the client’s experience and will have a positive impact on our community.”

Hicksville-based CN Guidance serves all of Long Island and is focused on providing mental health and substance use help. With more than 34,000 patient encounters in 2023 alone, CN Guidance delivers person-centered care through more than 60 programs, including specialized programs for Veterans, youth, older adults and those with residential care needs.

“This partnership will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” Jeffrey Friedman, CEO of CN Guidance said in the news release. “By leveraging Northwell’s resources and expertise, we can expand our services, further reduce wait times, and improve overall patient experience and outcomes. Together, we are committed to fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”

Northwell plans to create a Virtual Navigation Hub to help connect patients with the most appropriate and timely care, harnessing the power of the affiliations with CN Guidance and FSL professionals.