The Psychiatric Clinic is the only psychiatric service in the United States specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired. The Clinic specializes in working with persons, and their caregivers, who are having adjustment reactions to vision loss. It also serves those who, in addition to vision loss, may be experiencing severe anxiety and depression or acute, serious and persistent emotional problems.

Composed of interdisciplinary teams of psychiatrists, social workers and case managers, the Psychiatric Clinic offers its clients individual diagnostic and treatment plans as well as the opportunity to participate in support groups. The Clinic is licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health and is designated as a Comprehensive Outpatient Program Service (COPS).

The Clinic's ability to integrate its multifaceted treatment plans with The Guild's extensive rehabilitation services provides clients with the widest possible support system.

What We Offer

The Psychiatric Clinic provides treatment to reduce a person's emotional distress and to help that person to acknowledge and minimize the impact of vision loss. We aim to help each person achieve his or her highest potential for an optimal quality of life through:

• Crisis intervention
• Individual therapy
• Psychopharmacology intervention
• Medical coordination and liaison
• Short-term problem resolution
• Case management
• Psychological rehabilitation readiness
• Treatment monitoring and maintenance of clients with chronic mental illness

Specialty Support Groups

Different types of specialty support groups, meeting many different needs, are offered in both English and Spanish. These include:

• Coping with Vision Loss
• Diabetes Behavioral Health Management
• Blind Parenting with Sighted Children
• Coping with Vision Loss and Aging
• Mind/Body Wellness Behavioral Change
• Recovery from Substance Abuse and Dependence
• College-bound Preparation
• Building Emotional Management Skills
• Telesupport Groups for Persons with HIV/AIDS
• Support for Caregivers

To request information, or to make a referral, please contact:

The Psychiatric Clinic
15 West 65th Street
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-769-6256
E-mail: mentalhealthinformation@jgb.org