Upstate REACH Initiative

Mental health is an essential component of health and well-being for people of all ages. Unfortunately, the availability of mental health services has never equaled the demand. Workforce shortages – particularly in areas where services are most needed – have left many people with few options for seeking mental health care. 

For those living in areas with fewer care-seeking options, the first person they often talk to when faced with a mental health need is their primary care provider.

Donate to Upstate Reach Initiative

To better support primary care providers who often serve as a critical link for underserved communities, the Upstate Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences founded the Upstate Mental Health REACH Initiative in 2022.

Under the leadership of Nevena Radonjic, MD, PhD, the Upstate Mental Health REACH Initiative is designed to increase the competencies of primary care providers in diagnosing and treating the mental health disorders most commonly seen in their practices.

The REACH Initiative consists of an intensive one-day in-person workshop followed by 10 weekly virtual sessions. The program is FREE for all participants, and the intensive workshop is awarded 6.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each virtual session is awarded 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. In the past three years, over 300 participants from 51 counties in the state of New York have attended the program.

Client Testimonial

“I first attended the REACH workshop in October 2022. The providers presenting during the workshop offered a great overview of psychiatric illnesses, evaluation tools and treatment recommendations. The access to the information via the online platform, made it very easy to attend. The ability to ask for clarification, or ask for case-specific recommendations, encouraged me to continue to attend the ECHO sessions afterward. Given that these sessions were scheduled during lunch hour, provided a great opportunity to learn, without taking time away from patient care. Increasing the awareness of treatment options for mental illness within the primary care space leads to a more holistic care approach that benefits the patient. This is what The Upstate Mental Health REACH Initiative has helped to foster. I can now more confidently initiate care for several common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and insomnia without the need for initial evaluation by the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Upstate. If I still feel that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment is warranted, I better know how to risk assess for conditions such as suicidality and am able to then refer to the appropriate level of care. I highly recommend the REACH Initiative to any provider looking to offer a more well-rounded approach to care. The Upstate Mental Health REACH Initiative is truly breaking down the silos of health care and bridging a gap for patients in need.”

Christina Riggall, FNP
Oneida Indian Nation Health Services

The Bottom Line

“The bottom line is improving access to care.If you feel more confident that you know how to treat depression and anxiety, you’re going to do it.”

–Nevena Radonjic, MD, PhD
Project Director, Upstate Mental Health REACH Initiative

For more information contact: Nevena Radonjjc, MD, PhD radonjin@upstate.edu

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