PEER SUPPORT: MHAST has supported mental health recovery for decades, utilizing a peer-based model of service provision. Many of our program staff identify as peers – people with lived experience in mental health – and complete a certification with NYS to become a Certified Peer Specialist. Lived experience creates a sense of trust and relatability and is proven to be an effective approach to support others.
In New York State, the Crisis Continuum of Care is designed to provide immediate support, de-escalation, and stabilization for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. It is designed to shift away from relying solely on emergency rooms and police, instead the continuum offers the model of “someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go”. MHAST is proud to be provide services to the community within this continuum of care.
The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) structures this continuum around three main pillars:
1. Someone to Contact (Call/Chat/Text):
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A 24/7, free, confidential hotline connecting individuals with trained counselors.
Hotlines/Warmlines: Regional crisis lines that provide immediate support and link to local services. *MHAST Peer Warm Line
2. Someone to Respond (Mobile Crisis Response):
Mobile Crisis Response teams, often featuring mental health professionals and peers, respond directly to where the individual is, providing on-site stabilization and reducing the need for law enforcement involvement. *MHAST Mobile Crisis Response
3. Somewhere to Go (Stabilization & Residence):
Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSCs): These offer 24/7 walk-in services for up to 24 hours.
Supportive CSCs: For individuals not at immediate risk of harm but needing immediate support. *MHAST CSC (Crisis Stabilization Center)
Intensive CSCs: For individuals experiencing acute mental health or substance use crises.
Crisis Residences (CR): Short-term, residential, non-hospital settings for adults or children needing intensive support to stabilize symptoms, often serving as a step-down from hospitals.
Supportive CR: focus on providing peer support in a safe, supportive environment for individuals who cannot manage their symptoms in their current home setting but do not require intensive clinical interventions. *MHAST SCR (Supportive Crisis Residence)
Intensive CR: provide a higher level of care including comprehensive assessment, medication management/therapy, individual/group counseling; bridging the gap between community living and inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Programs (CPEPs): Hospital-level emergency care, evaluation, and short-term observation.
The MHAST Peer Warm Line is a phone line answered 24/7 by our Direct Support Professional staff. Each staff member is a NYS Certified Peer Specialist and will provide individuals a listening ear, support, encouragement and community resource information as needed.
Warm Line
Call: 607-240-7291
Hours of Operation
DAILY, 24/7
The Sunrise Wellness Program offers a variety of groups for adults ages 18+ focusing on mental health wellness and recovery. Groups include peer support, therapeutic arts, activity based groups, mindfulness, social events and more. Groups are facilitated by our Wellness Advocate staff who are also certified by NYS as a Peer Specialist. All groups are FREE! Call or Text to sign up: 607-644-2557
Sunrise Wellness Program
Call or Text: 607-644-2557
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
The Supportive Crisis Residence (SCR) provides a safe, home environment for adults ages 18+ experiencing a mental health crisis. The program is a open 24/7, staffed by Direct Support Professional staff with a certification as a NYS Peer Specialist. Staff assist and support individuals on person-centered goals during their short-term stay; stays are voluntary and focus on mental health recovery.
SCR (Supportive Crisis Residence)
Call: 607-644-4131
Hours of Operation
DAILY, 24/7
The Mobile Crisis Response program supports individuals who are experiencing or are at imminent risk of experiencing a mental health related crisis. Response is available via phone or in person to adults, adolescents, children, families, or community providers in Broome County.
Mobile Crisis Response
Call: 607-766-1369 Email: mobilecrisis@mhast.org
Hours of Operation
DAILY 10:00 am – 10:00 pm *closed 5 holidays each year: New Years, Memorial, Labor, Thanksgiving, Christmas
The Crisis Stabilization Center (CSC) will be opening soon!
The CSC will offer voluntary stabilization services & supports to individuals of any age experiencing a crisis relating to mental health and/or substance use symptoms. Stay tuned for more information.
MHAST is committed to reduce the stigma sometimes associated with mental health. MHAST provides the following trainings and educational presentations (1) Mental Health First Aid, $ (2) Tending the Roots: Trauma-Informed Care, free (3) It’s Real: Teens & Mental Health, free (4) MHAST Community Presentations, free.
Please call 607-771-8888 option #0 for availability.