Strong Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health

Strong Memorial Hospital, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), has a long tradition of integrating psychiatric care with broader medical services. Founded in 1926, Strong grew into an academic medical center that embraces the biopsychosocial model pioneered at the university, emphasizing how biological, psychological, and social factors all intersect in health. Today, its Department of Psychiatry operates multiple inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and specialty programs that serve children, adults, and seniors facing a wide range of mental health challenges.

Diverse Treatment Options and Specialized Programs

From crisis stabilization to in-depth psychotherapy, Strong’s offerings are diverse. Its Psychiatric Emergency Department (CPEP) stays open around the clock for anyone experiencing acute symptoms. Inpatient units are available for adults who require intensive care, as well as geriatric and pediatric psychiatric programs. Once stabilized, patients can step down to a Partial Hospitalization Program for structured daytime treatment or enroll in outpatient clinics specializing in mood disorders, psychosis, or dual diagnosis. Because this is a teaching hospital, patients benefit from the latest research, and staff keep abreast of emerging therapies.

Multidisciplinary Behavioral Health Teams

Strong’s behavioral health teams often include:

  • Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers who provide expert care.
  • Residency and fellowship programs that train future professionals under experienced supervision.
  • Consultation-liaison services to integrate psychiatric input for patients hospitalized for medical reasons.

This collaborative approach reflects URMC’s belief that mental and physical health are inseparable.

Commitment to Quality and Continuity of Care

Accredited by The Joint Commission, Strong Memorial Hospital meets high national standards for patient safety and clinical effectiveness. The Department of Psychiatry works closely with local community clinics and social agencies, striving to provide continuity of care well beyond the hospital walls. That often includes:

  • Follow-up appointments, medication management, and group therapy sessions to reinforce progress.
  • Specialized clinics for co-occurring substance use disorders, offering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) such as buprenorphine for opioid dependency.

A Legacy of Patient-Centered Mental Health Care

Patients and families frequently note the empathy and professionalism found within Strong’s psychiatric services. The approach is comprehensive, blending evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with medication and supportive resources.

Strong Memorial Hospital’s Behavioral Health services draw on a nearly century-old legacy of patient-centered care. By combining a top-tier academic environment with community outreach, Strong strives to reduce stigma and improve access for everyone in the Rochester area. With a dedicated multidisciplinary team, the hospital continues to evolve its programs so that individuals, regardless of age or complexity of diagnosis, can find meaningful support. Guided by the principles of the biopsychosocial model, Strong remains a beacon of integrated healing for Western New York and beyond.

General Details

Facility Type

Psychiatric hospital or psychiatric unit of a general hospital

Facility Operations

Private non-profit organization

Age Groups

Adults, Children/adolescents, Seniors (65 or older), Young adults

Screening & Testing

N/A

Insurance / Payments Accepted

Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, Medicare, Private health insurance, State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid

Pharmacotherapies

Aripiprazole (Abilify®), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), Clozapine (Clozaril®), Fluphenazine (Prolixin®), Haloperidol (Haldol®), Loxapine (Loxitane®), Lurasidone (Latuda®), Olanzapine (Zyprexa®), Olanzapine/Fluoxetine combination (Symbyax®), Perphenazine (Trilafon/Etrafon/Triavil/Triptafen®), Quetiapine (Seroquel®), RISPE Risperidone (Risperdal®) ZIPRA Ziprasidone (Geodon®)

Services

Treatment Approaches

Activity therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Couples/family therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, Electroconvulsive therapy, Group therapy, Individual psychotherapy, Trauma therapy

Language Services

Services for the deaf and hard of hearing

Transitional Services

N/A

Ancillary Services

Court-ordered outpatient treatment, Education services

Medical Services

N/A

Counseling Services & Education

N/A

Emergency Mental Health Services

Crisis intervention team, Psychiatric emergency mobile/off-site services, Psychiatric emergency onsite services, Psychiatric emergency walk-in services

Additional Details

Special Programs / Groups Offered

Adolescents, Children/adolescents with serious emotional disturbance (SED), Persons experiencing first-episode psychosis, Persons who have experienced intimate partner violence domestic violence, Persons who have experienced trauma, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders, Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Persons with serious mental illness (SMI), Seniors or older adults, Transitional age young adults

Type of Opioid Treatment

N/A

Type of Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

N/A

Other Addictions

N/A
Strong Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health
Treatment Options
Levels of Care

Is your insurance accepted?

Ask an expert, call 1-888-546-6005

Strong Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health
Treatment Options
Levels of Care

Is your insurance accepted?

Ask an expert, call 1-888-546-6005

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a normal stress reaction and can be beneficial in certain situations, such as helping you stay focused during a presentation or making quick decisions in an emergency. However, when Anxiety becomes chronic and interferes with your daily life, it can escalate into a more severe condition that requires professional help and treatment. In some cases, Anxiety can become so severe that it can lead to addiction and substance abuse, which may require rehabilitation. Understanding the signs and symptoms of severe Anxiety and seeking timely help can prevent the condition from spiraling out of control and improve the chances of successful recovery.  If you are here seeking Anxiety therapy options near you, please visit our treatment provider portal to find one in your area. 

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between episodes of mania and depression. People with Bipolar Disorder may experience elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior during manic episodes. In contrast, depressive episodes can cause sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.  

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities. Just as the angle of Depression describes the downward slope of an object, Depression itself is a mental health condition that can lead to a downward spiral in one’s thoughts and emotions. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of Depression and seek help as early as possible. If you are currently seeking Depression counseling near you, you are in the right place. For more information on Depression, read on, or click here to go directly to our portal. 

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed in response to those thoughts. These obsessions and compulsions can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It can cause many symptoms, including nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and avoidance behaviors. While PTSD can be a debilitating condition, it is treatable. Many people with PTSD can recover with the help of therapy. Whether you are here searching for PTSD counseling near me, a PTSD treatment plan example, online PTSD therapy, or even browsing to explore new treatments for PTSD, you are in the right place.  

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Trauma can occur due to various events, from natural disasters and accidents to physical or emotional abuse.  To find the best Trauma Treatment and Trauma Therapy providers in your area, please access our free, user-friendly portal, or read on for more info on Trauma.