UPDATE: The newly opened Children’s Way Counseling Center in Kingston, NY, is already making an impact, serving 86 children and families just months after its soft launch in October 2025. The center celebrated its official grand opening on January 15, 2026, highlighting a critical need for mental health services in Ulster County.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the importance of this facility, stating it is “a vital addition to the county’s Center for Well-Being.” The center, located at 368 Broadway, Suite 301, is the first outpatient counseling facility of its kind in the region, providing essential services like early assessments, outpatient care, and behavioral health treatment for children and adolescents.
Since its launch, Children’s Way has catered to various families, including children as young as five, demonstrating the urgent demand for mental health support in the area. Metzger noted that the center’s extended hours, open until 8 p.m. four days a week, are designed to accommodate working parents, making it easier for families to access much-needed care.
“This is exactly the kind of resource our community needs,” Metzger added during the ceremony, attended by nearly fifty supporters, including state Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and representatives from U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan’s office.
Operated by the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, the counseling center was established in response to the escalating need for youth mental health services, as reported by local officials. “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 environment,” Metzger stated.
Children’s Way offers a range of services, including individual and family psychotherapy, medication management, crisis intervention, and complex care management, working closely with local school-based mental health providers and the Ulster County Crisis Support Center.
The center aims to create a sustainable, accessible outpatient mental health option for families throughout Ulster County. For families looking to access these services, the center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, closed on weekends. For evaluations, families can visit their website at http://bit.ly/4qaPoxb or call (845) 386-0083 for more information.
As mental health concerns grow nationwide, the opening of the Children’s Way Counseling Center signifies a crucial step toward providing accessible support for vulnerable youth in the community. The Ulster County Crisis Support Center, which also recently opened at the Center for Well-Being, further complements these efforts by offering 24/7 support for individuals facing mental health or substance use crises, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community care.
This landmark development is not just a facility; it’s a beacon of hope for families in need of mental health services, promising a future where children and their families can find the support they need right in their community.
