UPDATE: The newly opened Children’s Way Counseling Center in Kingston, N.Y., is making a significant impact by already serving 86 children and families just months after its soft opening in October 2025. Officially launched on January 15, 2026, this center is the first of its kind in Ulster County and aims to address the urgent need for youth mental health services.
Located at 368 Broadway, Suite 301, within the county’s Center for Well-Being, the Children’s Way Counseling Center provides essential services such as early assessments, outpatient support, and behavioral health treatment tailored for children and adolescents. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the center’s importance during the grand opening, stating, “This is exactly the kind of resource our community needs — one that meets children where they are, supports families, and provides the care they need.”
Since opening, the center has catered to a diverse clientele, including children as young as 5 years old. Its extended hours, operating until 8 p.m. four days a week, are designed to accommodate working parents seeking support for their children. The center is administered by the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, which was approved by the Ulster County Legislature in 2024 to meet the rising demand for mental health services.
The grand opening drew nearly 50 attendees, including state representatives and community partners, highlighting the collective support for this initiative. Metzger noted the vision behind the center, saying, “When we first envisioned the Center for Well-Being, I spoke about creating a place where people of all ages could access the mental health care they need in a welcoming and supportive environment.”
Children’s Way offers a wide range of services including individual and family psychotherapy, medication management, crisis intervention, and complex care management. The center also collaborates closely with school-based mental health providers and the Ulster County Crisis Support Center to ensure comprehensive support for families.
Looking ahead, the center aims to create a sustainable, accessible outpatient mental health option for children and families throughout Ulster County. For those interested in services, the center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while remaining closed on weekends. For evaluations or inquiries, families can contact the center at (845) 386-0083 or visit their website.
Additionally, the Ulster County Crisis Support Center has also recently opened within the same facility, offering 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. Operated by People USA in conjunction with the county’s Department of Mental Health, the Crisis Support Center provides vital services including clinical assessments and peer support.
As the demand for mental health services continues to grow, the establishment of the Children’s Way Counseling Center marks a critical advancement in meeting community needs in Ulster County.
