Children’s Way Counseling Center Opens, Serving 86 Families

Children’s Way Counseling Center officially opened its doors in Kingston, New York, on January 15, 2026, following a successful “soft opening” in October 2025. Within a few months, the center has already provided support to 86 children and families, addressing a significant need for mental health services in Ulster County.

Meeting a Critical Demand for Youth Mental Health Services

Located at 368 Broadway, Suite 301, within the Ulster County Center for Well-Being, Children’s Way stands out as the first outpatient counseling center of its kind in the region. Operated by the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie and approved by the Ulster County Legislature in 2024, the center was established in response to increasing local demand for youth mental health services.

During the grand opening ceremony, Jen Metzger, the Ulster County Executive, emphasized the importance of the center. “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,” she stated. “Today’s ribbon-cutting is a major step in bringing this to life.”

Children’s Way offers a range of services including early assessments, crisis intervention, psychiatric care, and counseling for children, adolescents, and their families. Since its opening, the center has served clients as young as five years old, highlighting its commitment to early intervention.

Expanded Access and Community Support

The center operates extended hours, remaining open until 20:00 four days a week, which is particularly beneficial for working parents seeking support for their children. “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,” Metzger noted.

The ribbon-cutting event, hosted by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, attracted nearly 50 attendees, including state Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and representatives from U.S. Representative Pat Ryan’s office. Kate Guinan of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event, emphasizing the vital partnerships that support the center’s mission.

Children’s Way not only provides individual and family psychotherapy but also medication management, crisis intervention, and referrals to other community-based services. The center collaborates closely with school-based mental health providers and the Ulster County Crisis Support Center to ensure comprehensive care.

Looking forward, Guinan stated, “The long-term goal is to create a sustainable, accessible outpatient mental health option for children and families throughout Ulster County.”

For families seeking support, Children’s Way is open Monday through Thursday from 08:00 to 20:00 and Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, remaining closed on weekends. Those interested in requesting an evaluation for a child can visit the center’s website or contact them directly at (845) 386-0083.

In addition to Children’s Way, the Ulster County Center for Well-Being has also recently opened the Ulster County Crisis Support Center. This facility offers immediate support for individuals of all ages experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, operating 24/7. Managed by People USA, a peer-run mental health nonprofit, the Crisis Support Center provides clinical assessments, timely interventions, and coordinated follow-up care.

The launch of both centers marks a significant step toward enhancing mental health resources in Ulster County, creating a comprehensive support network for families in need.