Psychiatry High Risk Program

From Syracuse.com | Suicide prevention therapy at Upstate Medical University shines promising light

Contact Us

For further information, or for an intake, please call 315 464- 3117

Psychiatry High Risk Program

719 Harrison St, 3rd Floor

Syracuse, NY 13210

Phone: 3115-464-3117

Fax: 315 464-3263

Waitlist Timeframe: 2-4 weeks

The Psychiatry High Risk Program is an innovative, nationally recognized, and recovery-based outpatient treatment program for youth and young adults (ages 14 to 40) who struggle with thoughts of suicide. The PHRP has been designated as "a best practice" in suicide prevention by the federal Suicide Prevention Resource Center and it won the prestigious American Psychiatric Association’s 2023 Psychiatric Services Silver Award for innovative and effective care.

Individuals in the program typically suffer from one or more of the following chronic mental disorders:

Depression
Anxiety
Borderline Personality Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Eating Disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Addictions

Suicide prevention in the U.S. typically focuses on managing the symptoms of mental disorders through medications, counseling, and occasional hospitalizations. Instead of chronic illness management, The PHRP attempts to break the cycle of chronic illness by addressing the underlying causes of suicide, such as impaired emotion processing, strained relationships, and a negative self-image. As these underlying causes are addressed, many individuals find transformative healing, renewed hope, and resilience to stress, and are no longer impaired by mental disorders.

What to expect

A careful and comprehensive assessment over the first 4 session is provided to tailor the treatment plan to individual needs. Most clients are provided weekly individual therapy with dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy (DDP), an evidence-based treatment. DDP helps clients to heal from a negative self-image and maladaptive processing of emotionally charged experiences, while working towards self-acceptance and more fulfilling relationships (see Upstate DDP). On a select basis, some clients are offered Brief Intervention Contact (BIC). BIC was developed by the World Health Organization and is a well-researched brief intervention for preventing suicide. Depending on need, other treatments may be added, including family therapy sessions, group psychotherapy, and/or medication management. In order to ensure that the highest quality and effective care are provided, the program includes an extensive quality assurance program, such as monitoring of progress through quarterly outcome assessments and regular peer consultation.

Eligibility

Anyone between ages 14 to 40 years who has struggled with recent thoughts of suicide and is willing and able to fully engage in one year of weekly psychotherapy, is likely to benefit from this program. Some of the reasons preventing individuals from fully engaging in weekly psychotherapy include:

Malnourishment (below normal BMI)
Acute psychosis
High case management needs
Moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder, especially when combined with intellectual impairment.

The PHRP does not have the facilities to inject medications and does not prescribe controlled substances since these can sometimes worsen mood instability and suicide-related behaviors.

See attachment below for participating insurance companies.

Insurance List

See link below for a brief podcast overview of the program:

Psychiatry High Risk Program

See documents below for the PHRP Intake Packet and Brochure:

Intake and Brochure

Medication

Psychiatric medications are sometimes helpful to manage symptoms that contribute to suicide risk. Patients have the option of receiving medication consultation and treatment either through the program or through an outside provider. Note that controlled substances are not prescribed through the program since these can sometimes cause mood instability and worsen suicide-related behaviors.

Your Care Team

Nichole Galla. Intake Coordinator
Jessica Helfrich. Testing and Research Coordinator

Robert Gregory, MD. Director of the PHRP
Rebecca Shields, DO. Director of the Adolescent PHRP
Abigail Riggall, LCSW-R. Associate Director of the PHRP
Cynthia Malek, LCSW-R, CASAC. Director of PHRP Admissions

Mary Amidon, LMSW. Therapist
Ann Arezzo, FPMHNP, Nurse practitioner
Skye Celi, BSW, Case Manager
Danielle Davis, LCSW-R. Therapist
Glenn Forsythe, LCSW-R. Therapist
Rachael Kuch-Cecconi, MD. Child Psychiatrist
Alexandra McCarthy, LCSW. Therapist and Director of Family Therapy
Sutanaya Pal, MD. Psychiatrist

Testimonials

What you have been able to do for me in one year, I couldn't imagine. I didn't see myself living past 30 years old; I was going to kill myself before then and now I see a future with hope. This treatment has changed my life. —MW

The biggest change I have noticed is how much happier I’ve become. I’m finding myself to be more optimistic, when I’ve always felt pessimistic. I’m also starting to think about my future more and more, when before I didn't’t think I had one. —TO

I was very upset with myself and on the verge of suicide. Then, I met my therapist here and it completely changed my life. This program has helped me feel less suicidal and to care more about myself. —AG

When I'm facing intense emotions or stressful situations, it's now easier to identify what I'm experiencing and to not spiral out of control when it happens. As a result of this, I've had less suicidal ideation. —EW

I've been able to connect with my emotions for the first time in my life; I have an understanding of my illness, and i have a desire to live now. I see my own value as a person and what I have to offer. I no longer feel like a mistake or a burden. —AP

I tried CBT, DBT, and so many medications; it was an endless cycle of treatment methods. Now having got to the roots of the problem I feel like a whole person, have relationships, and I like myself for the first time in my life. This program saved my life. I am not just staying alive- I now have a life. I have never felt this healthy. VR