Biobehavioral Health Unit
A first-of-its-kind in New York State
The Biobehavioral Health Unit (BBHU) is an 11-bed inpatient unit that provides behavioral and mental health wraparound care, with 1-1 behavioral support. We serve individuals between the ages of 5-17 who present with severe and persistent challenging behaviors and developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Our approach is multi-disciplinary, combining evidence-based principles, pharmacological intervention, mental health support for patient families, and care coordination to assist in identifying additional resources in the community.
The goal of an admission is to stabilize a patient's challenging behaviors by equipping each individual and their family with new strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, so that they might thrive in their individual home and community settings upon discharge. Currently, our treatment program is unavailable anywhere else in the state of New York, and we are grateful to be able to serve our state through the BBHU.
Referrals
The BBHU requires a licensed healthcare provider to place referrals to our unit. This manner of referring allows our services and admission process to be streamlined and as efficient as possible.
Caregivers- To obtain a referral to our program, please contact your child’s healthcare provider (Pediatrician, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioner, etc.- must have a NPI number) to begin the process. To best serve our patients and families, we require the following documentation to be included with a patient’s referral:
- Verification of Diagnosis(es) from the past 12 months: Documentation in the form of a psychological evaluation, psychiatric evaluation, and/or psychosocial assessment
- Medical History and Physical from the past 12 months: Documentation in the form of medical records, after visit summary, and any relevant labs and medications
We recommend including any other appropriate documentation that might provide our admissions team with a greater picture of how we might best support your child.
To place a referral:
- Contact our office at 315-473-8700; Fax: 315-473-8707
OR
- Fill out our Referral Request Form
Diagnoses
The diagnoses that we work with include developmental disabilities and mental health disorders including but not limited to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Intellectual Disability
- Cerebral Palsy
- Trisomy 21
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Conduct Disorder
- ADHD
- OCD
- PTSD
- Bipolar
- Cyclothymia
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
- Pica
- Stereotypic Movement Disorder
- ARFID
Behaviors
Severe destructive behaviors include:
- Physical and verbal aggression
- Self-injury
- Tantrums
- Property destruction
- Disruption
- Elopement
- Incontinence
- Non-compliance
- Obsession
- Compulsions and rituals
- Inappropriate sexualized behavior
- Threatening
- Fecal digging
- Food selectivity
- Pica
- Rumination
- Other behaviors that prohibit the patient from functioning in their natural environment (e.g., home, school, community)
Modalities and Treatments
The unit operates a bio-behavioral model using multi-disciplinary assessments, functional analysis, defining and tracking of target behaviors, individualized treatment of target behavior, caregiver training, and relevant psychiatric/educational needs, among other ancillary services.
Treatment plans focus on the specific interventions to be utilized to reduce these target behaviors, including psychopharmacology, an individualized positive behavioral support plan, a generalization plan, as well as other interventions.
About the Unit
Bedroom
Each bedroom is thoughtfully designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for our patients. The room features secured storage units, fastened to the floor to prevent damage, offering ample space for children to store their personal belongings. The large window allows natural light to fill the room, helping to create a more calming and homelike environment.
Treatment Rooms
These rooms are where children will receive their personalized treatment. Treatment rooms are equipped with a private observation window to allow for professional oversight, ensuring both privacy and safety while treatments are administered.
Multi-Sensory Rooms
Our multi-sensory rooms provides a therapeutic space where children can engage with sensory stimuli, helping to regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. These rooms are essential for children who may become overwhelmed, offering a place to recalibrate and find comfort.
Playground
The outdoor playground offers a safe and secure environment for children to play and explore. It provides an opportunity for them to enjoy fresh air and physical activity, promoting their overall well-being, just as the large windows in their bedrooms connect them to the outdoors even when inside.
Classroom
Our dedicated classroom ensures that each child’s education continues seamlessly during their inpatient stay. This space allows for individualized learning, helping children stay on track academically while they receive the care they need.
The Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center is a space designed with your family in mind. Here we foster a sense of community, offering a supportive environment where families can come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re seeking information, a quiet moment, or a chance to engage with others, the center is here to provide resources and support for every family member.
Providers
Executive Director, Golisano Center for Special Needs
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University
- M.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University
- Ph.D. in Psychology from Louisiana State University
- Complex Behavior Program
- Autism Diagnosis
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit
- Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
My approach to helping children is to view everyone involved as part of a team. The children themselves, caregivers, the front-line staff, social worker, behavioral psychologists, teachers, and medical staff all come together to meet the unique needs of the child. This looks different in every case, but the important thing is to seek that input and share responsibility is most critical to having a successful care plan. By building on the strengths of the child and the family, we can develop programs that are individualized and effective.
Education:
- MD from Leeds University School of Medicine, Leeds UK
- MPH from Columbia University, New York, NY
Services provided:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
I have been at Upstate since 2017. I am a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Vice-Chair of Hospital Psychiatry. As Medical Director of the Children’s Pavilion, I will bring my expertise in the psychopharmacological management of behavior and mood disorders to both normally developing and neuroatypical children and adolescents. I am excited by this new therapeutic environment, expanding the spectrum of psychiatric and psychological care to our region.
Clinical Provider
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology from Georgetown University
- M.A. in Applied Psychology from Rider University
- Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from University of Nebraska Medical Center
Services provided:
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit
- Behavior Analysis Murine Laboratory
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
My clinical work focuses on the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior of individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My research focuses on the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, factors affecting treatment relapse, and the quantitative analysis of behavior.
Clinical Provider
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from Western Michigan University
- M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management from Florida Institute of Technology
- Ph.D. in Disability Disciplines from Utah State University
Services Provided:
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
My clinical and research area of specialization are in the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior. I am particularly passionate about improving the feasibility of interventions in natural settings, evaluating the indirect effects of interventions, and improving outcomes for children who engage in elopement (bolting and wandering).
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from Drexel University
- M.S. in Behavioral Analysis Studies from Upstate Medical University
Services provided:
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
I enjoy assisting families in identifying the reason why behaviors may be occurring, and afterwards, teaching the child how to communicate those needs in a safer, more appropriate way. It is so rewarding to equip both the child and families with the skills to be successful!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University
- M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from SUNY Upstate University
Services provided:
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
I fell in love with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) when I worked in a school setting helping children meet their academic and behavioral goals. Through the implementation of behavioral interventions, I found my passion of assessing and treating severe challenging behaviors. My goal at BBHU is to identify the reasons why my patients engage in these behaviors and then teach them a variety of communication, adaptive, and functional skills to better communicate their wants/needs in a holistic approach.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Education:
-
B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Ohio University
-
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Applied Behavior Analysis from Cleveland State University
Services provided:
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
From a young age, I have worked with children with developmental disabilities; to engage with them, help them learn, and see them flourish is what I love most about what I do. I believe incorporating individualization and creativity into treatment is of utmost importance, and I strive to bring positivity and playfulness to each interaction!
Nurse Manager
Nurse Navigator
Education:
- A.A. S. in Nursing from Crouse Hospital School of Nursing
- B.S. in Environmental and Forest Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
- A.A.S. in Ecology and Environmental Technology from Paul Smith’s College
Services provided:
- Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
I have over 15 years of experience in the pediatric nursing field. I feel honored to have provided nursing care in the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital Inpatient Surgical floor, Radiology department, and several pediatric outpatient specialty clinics. I believe that experience plus my years working as a nurse coordinator and case manager make me well qualified to serve as Nurse Navigator for the BBHU. I wear many hats in my role such as advocate, educator, liaison, communicator. All while maintaining flexibility, compassion, and critical thinking. My goal is to make the admission process, inpatient treatment stay, and discharge as seamless as possible. It is my pleasure to provide the safest and highest quality care to our patients and their caregivers/families.
Family Therapist
Family Resource Coordinator
Education:
- B.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from Manhattan College
Services provided:
- Family Resources (BBHU)
- Trauma Adapted Yoga (TAY)
I am dedicated to not only helping families access the services they need and deserve but empowering them to regain ownership and autonomy over their lives to help manage and overcome trauma and stress. Every day I strive to provide families with access to a community, confidence, and the tools needed to channel their inner advocate and ultimately improve their quality of life as a whole family unit. Managing trauma and stress is not “one size fits all,” but I find great joy in learning about different practices and working in both 1:1 and group settings to find what works best for each and every family we serve.
Nurse Practitioner
Education:
- Associates Degree in Nursing St. Joseph’s College of Nursing
- Bachelors Degree in Nursing LeMoyne College
- Masters of Science in Nursing: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from SUNY Stony Brook
Services Provided:
- Developmental Pediatrics
-
Medical Consult Coverage for the Children’s Pavilion including BBHU and child/adolescent inpatient psychiatry
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
As a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, I am committed to providing empathetic care which enables me to connect with patients and families on an emotional level, foster a supportive and healing care environment during challenging times. Every child deserves a compassionate and dedicated advocate for their physical, mental and emotional health.