Brooklyn, NY — On July 24, Maimonides Health officially unveiled its new Psychiatric Emergency Department (ED), a considerably expanded facility designed to meet the urgent behavioral health needs of Brooklynites, made possible by bonds valued at $5.3 million issued by the New York State Dormitory Authority (NYSDA) guaranteed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The new facility, which will officially open on August 5, is the first milestone in Maimonides’ long-term plan to expand behavioral health services for Brooklynites.

With nearly four times more space, the new, expanded Psychiatric ED provides a safe and private environment distinct from the general emergency department, uniquely suited for patients experiencing mental health crises. It increases the number of private rooms for patients, is equipped with two patient restrooms and an in-unit shower, and can accommodate a larger therapeutic staff. For the first time, Maimonides will now be able to offer individual, private rooms for patients in need.

“Patient privacy is of paramount concern when working with a highly stigmatized patient population,” said Ken Gibbs, President and CEO of Maimonides Health. “The opening of our Psychiatric Emergency Department allows us to care for even more New Yorkers presenting with mental health needs in a more dignified, private, and therapeutic setting.”

The opening of Maimonides’ new Psychiatric ED marks a major step forward in responding to the urgency and complexity of mental health needs. According to the State of Mental Health Report, nearly half of NYC teens have experienced depressive symptoms and 15% of children ages 3 to 13 have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Among adults, nearly 25% reported experiencing a mental health disorder in a given year.

“This new facility will allow us to continue providing outstanding care to a highly stigmatized population, but with the ability to treat even more patients in an expanded space with many enhancements,” said Abraham Taub, DO, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry of Maimonides Health. “Today marks the first phase of this project. We will soon embark on the next phase of this program, building the first Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) in southern Brooklyn, in addition to building our psychiatric in-patient adolescent unit. We’re proud to bring this level of care to our community in Brooklyn.”

“At Maimonides, the Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine teams work hand in hand to deliver the highest level of care and to better serve this vulnerable population,” said Eitan Dickman, MD, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine of Maimonides Health. “Today marks a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and timely mental healthcare to our communities.”

Maimonides’ long-term vision includes the launch of a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) to be housed in the Psychiatric Emergency Department. The CPEP initiative will be made possible with $6 million in funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). CPEPs, available 24 hours a day, provide a primary entry point for individuals who need specialized support with behavioral health crises, including triage, observation, care, treatment, and referrals. The funding was part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s landmark $1 billion initiative to address the ongoing statewide mental health crisis. Last year, Maimonides announced three grants totaling more than $17 million from the New York State Office of Mental Health, Healthfirst, and Fidelis Care to expand critical behavioral health services, including a new CPEP and an inpatient adolescent unit.

“We are thrilled to to offer our community a new Psychiatric ED that greatly expands our capacity to provide the help our patients in need,” said Jessica Poster, MD, Vice Chair of Acute Care Psychiatry of Maimonides Health. “Providing care in a setting that feels safe and comfortable for our patients is crucial to our approach to patient care.”

In tandem with our brand-new Children’s Emergency Department renovation currently underway, these improvements are part of a larger strategy to nearly triple our emergency room square footage, expanding emergency services. As Brooklyn’s essential provider of first-rate, world-class healthcare in Brooklyn, Maimonides remains committed to delivering the vital healthcare services our communities need.

“The new Psychiatric Emergency Department is a strong example of what’s possible when federal investment aligns with local vision,” said Jason Loughran, HUD Regional Administrator. “HUD is proud to support projects that enhance access to whole health services, including the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of our nation.”

“I’m thrilled that Maimonides Medical Center is opening a Psychiatric Emergency Department in Brooklyn, meeting a critical and much-needed demand for expanded mental health resources and care across the city,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “The growing mental health crisis in America must be met with meaningful resources and support. I am grateful that Maimonides is taking this important step to broaden access to high-quality mental healthcare for New Yorkers in need.”

“Maimonides’ Psychiatric Emergency Department will provide specialized behavioral health support to individuals in crisis in an environment that is suited for this care. This new unit will add much needed capacity for Brooklyn and help more individuals and families access this critical care in a timely manner,” said Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health. “This new department reflects Governor Hochul’s full commitment toward ensuring all New Yorkers have access to high-quality behavioral health services whenever and wherever they need them.”

“I want to congratulate and thank Maimonides Medical Center for once again, providing our community and our city with what we are in dire need of. At a time when we need it most, this new Psychiatric Emergency Department will no doubt contribute to saving lives. On behalf of the New York State Senate, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Maimonides that make this possible,” said Senator Stephen Chan.

“The opening of the Psychiatric Emergency Department is a meaningful investment in the well-being of Brooklyn residents that comes at a time when our state is prioritizing mental health services. This department will ensure that those in need receive professional services with privacy and dignity. I commend Maimonides for its commitment to providing this much needed service to the community,” said Senator Roxanne Persaud.

“This new Psychiatric Emergency Department represents a vital investment in the dignity and care our communities deserve. I commend Maimonides for leading the way in compassionate, modern mental health services,” said Assemblyman Lester Chang.

“Congratulations to Maimonides Medical Center on the opening of the new Psychiatric Emergency Department. It will be dedicated to helping those experiencing behavioral health issues and will provide a safe environment to handle an emergency 24 hours a day. Thank you to everyone who made today possible,” said Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny.

“As one of the largest behavioral healthcare providers in Brooklyn, Maimonides Medical Center plays a vital role in supporting our communities’ physical and mental health. At a time when we are seeing Medicaid cuts and continued disinvestments in behavioral health services across the country, I am proud to welcome and support this new investment in Brooklyn’s mental health infrastructure. It signifies a meaningful step towards the ongoing issue of mental health across the nation, and we have to continue advocating for it instead of ignoring it,” said Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes.

“I applaud Maimonides Health for the opening of the new Psychiatric Emergency Department. This expansion marks a powerful step forward in how we respond to mental health needs with dignity, privacy, and compassion. With this investment, our communities will have improved access to a wider range of behavioral health interventions through this immensely critical center for South and Central Brooklyn,” said Council Member Farah Louis. “As Co-Chair of the Brooklyn Delegation, I am honored to have advocated for this important facility and to have secured an allocation of $1.95 million for the Philips Azurion Biplane Imaging System for Maimonides Health, and remain steadfast in my commitment to fighting for the healthcare infrastructure Brooklyn deserves. Institutions like Maimonides are the backbone of our borough’s well-being, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen access to behavioral health services for all members of our community.”

“At a time when behavioral health needs are rising, services to fulfill those needs have been cut. That’s why it is so exciting to know that our Brooklyn community will soon be able to access expanded and comprehensive behavioral health services at Maimonides. I am grateful to my Brooklyn delegation and the Maimonides team for joining me in bringing this funding to fruition. We can all be reassured knowing that our communities will have mental health services for generations to come,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés.

“I’m proud of our work on the New York City Council for securing nearly $2 million for Maimonides Health, allowing them to continue their remarkable work,” said Council Member Susan Zhuang. “It’s wonderful to stand alongside so many community partners and celebrate the opening of the new Psychiatric Emergency Department. Touring the facility, you can see the care these providers have, even in their choice to bring color to the design of the ED. Maimonides has personally been there for my family, and so many others in South Brooklyn. I will fight to ensure our communities have more resources just like this, with Maimonides leading the way.”

View video and photos from the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Download with PIN 3432.