CARE Initiative: Child and Adolescent Resource for Emotional Health (and overall wellness)
Supporting the Health and Development of Suffolk County’s Students
The CARE Initiative is a groundbreaking initiative from Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, created in response to the growing health care needs of students across Suffolk County, especially those surrounding mental health and wellness. In partnership with local school districts, CARE delivers timely and expert support—connecting schools, families, and students with pediatric specialists in psychiatry, neurology, psychology, developmental pediatrics, and social work. The initiative further supports students and families with their overall health needs, helping to improve access to the many specialists at Stony Brook Medicine.
Whether a student is facing an urgent mental health concern or navigating other health challenges, CARE works to improve access to comprehensive care, education, and support.
Referral Sources from our Partnering Districts Include:
- School personnel
- Coaches
- Parents or guardians
- Students themselves
Our Multidisciplinary Team
CARE is powered by a team of pediatric and adolescent specialists from across Stony Brook Medicine, including, but not limited to:
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Neuropsychology
- Quannacut Substance Use Disorder Clinic
- Quannacut Integrated Mental Health Clinic
- The Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare
- Hospitals, Specialists and other Support Facilities
What to Expect: Help When You Need It
Our CARE Call Center responds to a range of referrals, such as:
- A student in crisis requiring urgent evaluation
- A child showing signs of ADHD or developmental delays
- A teen struggling with substance use
- Youth experiencing other developmental, neurological or cognitive concerns
- Youth needing care for a sports injury or other orthopedic issue
- An adolescent exploring gender identity who needs affirming, supportive care
- Families looking for neuropsychological testing for learning and behavioral concerns
- Families seeking to evaluate if a child has Autism
Our team works closely with school staff and families to coordinate care quickly and compassionately.
Interested in Partnering With CARE?
If your district or school is interested in learning more about subscribing to CARE services, please reach out to our team at sbcareinfo@stonybrookmedicine.edu. We welcome the opportunity to partner with you in building healthier futures for Suffolk County’s youth.
We’re here when you need us.
