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Urban Health Plan Launches Community Psychiatry Residency Program

Inspired by the pressing need for enhanced mental health services, Urban Health Plan (UHP) has unveiled a pioneering initiative: an ACGME-accredited Community Psychiatry Residency Program. This ambitious program is set to commence on July 1, 2026, in collaboration with two critical healthcare institutions, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.

Addressing a Critical Shortage

New York City is grappling with a significant shortage of mental health professionals. In response to this pressing issue, UHP is committed to creating a sustainable pipeline of psychiatrists to serve diverse and underserved communities. UHP stands as one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New York State, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of clinicians equipped to tackle evolving mental health challenges.

The residents involved in this program will not only receive clinical training at UHP’s affiliated community health centers but will also have the opportunity to engage in comprehensive outpatient psychiatry training. This hands-on experience in varied community settings, including assisted living facilities, mobile crisis units, and home visiting programs, will give residents the skills necessary to navigate complex systems of care while promoting a holistic approach to mental health treatment.

A Commitment to Community-Centered Care

The philosophy underlying the UHP Community Psychiatry Residency Program is to ensure that mental health services are not only accessible but are also culturally competent and responsive. According to Paloma Izquierdo Hernández, President and CEO of Urban Health Plan, "Teaching health centers like Urban Health Plan play a critical role in shaping the future of health care." The integration of psychiatric training within the community allows residents to learn both clinical excellence and the social realities that affect patients’ lives daily.

This initiative's goal is to cultivate psychiatrists who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply connected to the communities they serve. Emphasis will be placed on creating environments where psychiatric, social-emotional, and behavioral health needs are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Collaborations for Impact

The partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln reflects a commitment to establishing a robust training infrastructure that meets the community's needs. Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde, CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, noted, "We look forward to continuing to work closely with UHP to train the next generation of psychiatric clinicians and provide much-needed behavioral health care in our underserved community." Meanwhile, Cristina Contreras, CEO of Lincoln Hospital, emphasized that the residency program represents a direct investment in health equity and the well-being of the community, aimed at addressing disparities in psychiatric care access.

Future Aspirations

As part of its structure, the program will participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), opening doors for applicants through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). By fostering collaborations between community health centers and public hospitals, UHP is setting a precedent for how mental health services can be integrated into community-based care, ensuring that residents are trained in environments that practice patient-centered care.

UHP’s Community Psychiatry Residency Program intends to not only create skilled psychiatrists but also to inspire a new generation of healthcare providers who see community service as essential to delivering excellent care. This residency program is visionary in its approach and dedicated to a future where mental health care is equitable, innovative, and deeply rooted in community needs.

For further information regarding this residency program and to stay updated, visit Urban Health Plan's official website.

About Urban Health Plan

Founded in 1974, Urban Health Plan (UHP) is a health system comprising Federally Qualified Community Health Centers located in South Bronx, Central Harlem, and Corona, Queens. Serving over 89,000 patients in 2024, UHP is Joint Commission-accredited and remains committed to providing high-quality health services to the community.

About NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

As a cornerstone of healthcare in Queens, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is renowned for its comprehensive medical services, emphasized through a commitment to exemplary patient care, especially in mental health treatment.

About NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

Located in the South Bronx, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln is dedicated to providing essential healthcare services, with a strong focus on improving community health through accessible mental health care solutions.