Severe Mental Disorders Program

Clinical Services

The mission of the SMDP is to promote recovery from schizophrenia and related disorders through development, implementation and dissemination of new treatment and rehabilitation approaches.

Clinical care within SMDP is provided through the Strong Ties Community Support Program. Strong Ties is an innovative community-based program that provides a complete array of services designed to promote recovery among adults with severe mental illnesses. Strong Ties offers clinic and case management services, as well as peer-based services, family services, young adult services, assertive community treatment, and forensic assertive community treatment. In addition to comprehensive mental health services, Strong Ties features primary medical care and complete pharmacy services in order to deliver truly integrated healthcare.

Strong Ties was opened in 1988 as part of the ground-breaking Monroe-Livingston Demonstration Project, the nation’s first comprehensive capitated payment program for severely mentally ill adults. The program enabled individuals who were formerly treated as long-term inpatients within the local state hospital, Rochester Psychiatric Center, to live and receive treatment in the community. Through an ongoing public-academic liaison with Rochester Psychiatric Center, Strong Ties continues to promote community adjustment and independence for individuals who are discharged into the Rochester community.

Strong Ties has gained local, regional and national recognition as a model of community care. Awards include the 1999 American Psychiatric Association Gold Award, the 2001 American Psychiatric Nurses Association Award, the 2001 New York State Office of Mental Health Achievement Award, the 2003 Hospital Association of New York (HANY)Award, and the 2005 American Psychiatric Association Van Ameringen Award for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

Strong Ties Senior Staff: