Psychiatry High Risk Program
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.
See link below for a brief podcast overview of the program:
See documents below for the PHRP Intake Packet 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
National Media
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Shields, R.J., Helfrich, J.P., Gregory, R.J. Dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy for suicidal adolescents: Effectiveness of routine care in an outpatient clinic International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21, 929 (2024).
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2023 Psychiatric Service Awardees Honored for Innovative Service Programs, in Psychiatric News, the news outlet of the American Psychiatric Association (2023)
- Thomas JG, Sperry SD, Shields RJ, Gregory RJ: A novel recovery-based suicide prevention program in upstate New York. Psychiatric Services 73:701-704, 2022.
- Innovative Suicide Prevention Program Using Psychotherapy Shows Early Success, in Psychiatric News, the news outlet of the American Psychiatric Association (2020)
Local Media
- "Innovative mental health program at Upstate receives national award," in Upstate News (2023)
- "$1.1 million federal grant will help SUNY Upstate create region's first Suicide Prevention Center," in Localsyr.com from News Channel 9 (2023).
- "Upstate suicide prevention program saving lives in CNY," in CNYCentral from NewsChannel3 (2022)
- "I Got My Life Back": Syracuse's Innovative Way of Battling Suicide Makes a Difference, in The Post Standard (2021)
- Upstate Creates “First of Its Kind” Program In Region For High-Risk Suicidal Youth, in NewsChannel 9 (2017)
How to Donate
Voluntary donations are gratefully accepted and help support suicide prevention efforts. To donate, go to Psychiatry Upstate Foundation