A new 21-bed mental health inpatient facility for children has opened in the Bronx, marking a major expansion of psychiatric services for young people. The center, operated by Montefiore Medical Center, is located on the campus of the New York City Children’s Center. It will serve children ages 5 to 17 struggling with severe depression, anxiety, trauma, and other acute mental health conditions.
The state-funded center covers 18,300 square feet and is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to increase mental health treatment capacity across New York. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has overseen the creation of 1,000 new psychiatric beds statewide. At the facility’s opening ceremony, she spoke about the importance of improving care for youth with serious mental illnesses.
“Montefiore Einstein’s Center for Children’s Mental Health represents a strong partnership with our community hospitals,” the Governor said, highlighting how collaborations like this expand high-quality behavioral health services.
The addition of these beds increases the Bronx’s capacity for child inpatient psychiatric care by nearly 31 percent. This growth responds to the high need for mental health services, as about one in five children in the borough is diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder. The new facility also supports continued care by connecting inpatient treatment with outpatient programs and clinical training for staff.
Funding for the project includes state support and private donations to Montefiore Einstein, along with a $6 million appropriation backed by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Michael Benedetto.
Local and state leaders praised the project as a vital resource for families. State Senator Gustavo Rivera called it “a lifeline for young Bronxites with complex mental health needs,” while State Senator Nathalia Fernandez emphasized the importance of equitable access to care. Both described the center as a beacon of hope for families facing mental health crises.
The initiative aligns with broader state efforts to strengthen youth mental health care. New York has launched 20 Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams that provide family-centered services, including two in the Bronx. Fifty school-based mental health clinics now operate in the borough, offering easier access to help on campus. Together with Home Based Crisis Intervention teams, these programs aim to build a strong, community-based network supporting children’s mental health across the state.
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