Behavioral Services

We provide individualized care in a warm, supportive environment. We’re here to help you understand the problems you have been experiencing and to work with you to make your life more manageable.

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Half of all Americans will experience a mental illness during their lifetimes. Mental or emotional problems affect every aspect of life. If you become overwhelmed, or cannot function day to day, or become dangerous to yourself or those around you, it may be helpful to seek inpatient care.

Cayuga Medical Center has two Behavioral Services units, one for adults over the age of 18 years, and one for adolescents between 13 and 17. We provide individualized care in a warm, supportive environment. We’re here to help you understand the problems you have been experiencing and to work with you to make your life more manageable.

Our team of professional caregivers will do a thorough evaluation to help determine what is causing your distress and how we can best help you. We will check carefully for any underlying medical illness or biochemical origins to your symptoms. We will then work with you, your family, and other health care professionals to develop a course of treatment that is right for you.

Admission to both the adult and adolescent units typically occurs when an individual requires a level of care that is not available through community outpatient services. We accept admissions to Behavioral Services 24 hours a day. Referrals may be made by physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members, or friends.

According to Mental Health America, the following are signs that your loved one may want to speak to a medical or mental health professional. It is especially important to pay attention to sudden changes in thoughts and behaviors. Also keep in mind that the onset of several of the symptoms below, and not just any one change, indicates a problem that should be assessed. The symptoms below should not be due to recent substance use or another medical condition.

If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.

  • Confused thinking
  • Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
  • Feelings of extreme highs and lows
  • Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
  • Social withdrawal
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Strong feelings of anger
  • Strange thoughts (delusions)
  • Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
  • Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Numerous unexplained physical ailments
  • Substance use
Cayuga Health Behavioral

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what our patients are saying

“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”

Alina, Cayuga Birth Place

“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”

Karen, Surgical Services

“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “

Samantha, Emergency Department

“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”

Monique, Cayuga Cancer Center
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