Montefiore’s department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences sees over 600,000 outpatient visits and 1,000 inpatient admissions annually, making it one of the region’s largest mental health providers. The department stands out for pioneering integrated psychiatric care in pediatric and adult primary care, public schools and numerous specialty clinics, with programs deeply rooted in principles of social justice. In 2023, Montefiore was designated a behavioral health center of excellence by New York State, supported by a $7 million grant to develop emergency observation units, a partial hospitalization program and expanded outpatient services. The department’s interventional psychiatry program ensures equitable access to transcranial magnetic stimulation and esketamine, even for publicly insured patients. The department also innovates with new initiatives like the behavioral health virtual urgent care and the creation of a 21-bed pediatric psychiatric unit, the first of its kind in the Bronx. The department is supported by approximately $8 million in annual research funding, which goes towards translational, clinical and health services research. Montefiore Behavioral Health Center was recognized by the American Psychiatric Association for psychiatric services achievement in 2022 and the system earned behavioral health distinction from the National Committee for Quality Assurance in 2021.
