South Beach Psychiatric Center: Celebrating 25 Years of Chamber Membership

By Leslie Rivera, Staten Island Chamber

Founded in 1969, the South Beach Psychiatric Center has long served as a vital resource for mental health care, providing intermediate-level inpatient services to individuals living in western Brooklyn, southern Staten Island, and Manhattan south of 42nd Street. Over the years, the Center has expanded its mission beyond treatment, offering a wide range of educational and technical programs to support the next generation of professionals in social work and the medical sciences.

The Center is also home to a specialized eight-bed inpatient unit serving monolingual Chinese individuals from Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan who require intermediate care. Across all its programs, South Beach Psychiatric Center offers a comprehensive network of inpatient and outpatient services, allowing patients to access support as needed and at every stage of recovery.

A key part of the Center's approach includes its wellness and recovery services. These programs focus on educating patients about their disability or illness, helping them develop practical life skills, and supporting their journey toward recovery. With a strong emphasis on rights, rehabilitation, and empowerment, patients are encouraged to view their challenges as manageable from the start, and to actively participate in achieving meaningful, self-determined goals. Services in this area include cognitive assessment and remediation, skill-building workshops, and self-help opportunities designed to promote success in daily life.

The Consumer Network is another standout program at South Beach. Run by consumers themselves, it is grounded in the belief that self-help, empowerment, and advocacy are key to lasting recovery. Each site offers an array of services, including mutual support, assistance with daily living challenges, self-help groups, Double Trouble in Recovery Groups, and Peer Support for Employment Groups. Thoughtful discussions on topics like hope, respect, empowerment, and friendship provide further support and inspiration.

In 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of South Beach Psychiatric Center's new outpatient building-part of a $250 million investment by the Office of Mental Health. This major infrastructure project replaced facilities that were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy and introduced modern features that have enhanced both the environment and the delivery of care. The new building includes improved natural lighting, inviting recreational areas, a café, and additional rooms for treatment and group activities, all aimed at supporting healing and recovery in a welcoming space.

This year marks a special milestone: 25 years of membership with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. South Beach Psychiatric Center is proud to celebrate this partnership and its ongoing commitment to the Staten Island community. Here's to 25 years of progress, partnership, and purpose - and to many more ahead!

This story is part of our 2025 Annual Meeting Long-Term Member Celebrations. To read more or register for the event, click here.