Stamford Health Opens First Behavioral Health Outpatient Office

STAMFORD, CT / December 6, 2024 – Today, Stamford Health announced the opening of its first adult outpatient behavioral health office – a major step in the organization’s multi-year strategic plan to grow behavioral health programs and services in the community. Located at the Tully Health Center, the new program provides an array of mental health and wellbeing services for adults 18 years or older including psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric medication management, individual psychotherapy and group psychotherapy.

“Our new office provides our patients with the tools and resources needed to build and maintain better mental health and wellness,” stated Stamford Health Chair of Psychiatry, Raviv Berlin, MD. “By increasing these services in our community, we hope to further reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and offer treatment for the mind the same way we prevent and treat physical ailments.”

Stamford Health’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment identified behavioral health as the number one unmet community health need. In response, Stamford Health is taking a multifaceted approach to expanding access to mental health care and annually hosts a community-wide behavioral health stakeholder retreat to create action plans for those unmet needs.

In July of 2021, Stamford Health Medical Group (SHMG) and Stamford-based Liberation Programs initiated a collaboration to allow for the co-location of outpatient medical services with behavioral health services at clinics in Stamford and Greenwich. Presently, Stamford Health offers psychiatry services in its Bennett Cancer Center, Women’s Specialty Center and its geriatric program provided by Marco Michael, MD and Kristen Browne, LCSW. Future plans also include expansion and modernization of acute care psychiatric services for patients in crisis.

“Our vision is to be the most trusted health care provider for the communities we serve,” added President and CEO, Kathleen Silard. “The addition of this program will make care more accessible for our patients and help address the global mental health crisis beginning on a local level.”

Stamford Health’s outpatient behavioral health office operates Monday – Friday from 8AM – 5PM by referral-based appointments only and is staffed by SHMG psychiatrist Jordan Kurtz, MD, and psychotherapist, Ishara O’Carroll, LCSW. Referrals are being accepted from Stamford Health medical providers and our clinicians can treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Learn more about Behavioral Health & Psychiatry Services at Stamford Health.

ABOUT STAMFORD HEALTH

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent healthcare system with over 3,900 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system's 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an "A" for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, recognizing superior patient care with the highest safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work.

Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. It offers treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center's nationally recognized heart and neurosurgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford Health's Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center has a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.

PRESS CONTACT

Andie Jodko, Communications Director
Stamford Health
[email protected]
203.276.5511