Dunkirk Counseling Center holds open house

On hand to cut the ribbon at the open house commemorating the relocation of TRC’s Dunkirk community counseling center were, from left, Kurt Lindstrom, Mayor of Silver Creek; Michelle Williams, TRC’s Director of Mettal Health Services; Executive Director Paul Cesana; Dunkirk Mayor Richard Frey; and Tom Carpenter, Regional Representative for Governor David Paterson. Walter Drag, Dunkirk City Court Judge, and Robert Nieto, Attorney for Jamestown City Treatment Courts, also attended the event.

A good cross-section of the community turned out for an open house to highlight TRC’s recently relocated Counseling and Psychiatric Services in Dunkirk.

The event was held February 17 at TRC’s facility at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk. Despite a snowstorm that raged most of the afternoon, dozens of people stopped by to see the new facility.

Paul Cesana, TRC’s Executive Director, took the opportunity to praise everyone involved in improving the mental health of area residents.

“This newly renovated facility and the support you show for our program rejuvenates and reenergizes all of us,” Paul said. “We know how devastating mental illness, or psychosocial maladjustment, can be to families. Working together makes such a tremendous difference.”

“We’re excited that we had representatives from school systems and the treatment courts visit today,” said Michelle Williams, Director of Mental Health Services, noting that a number of referral for services were received during the event.

TRC’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (until recently known as Summit Community Services) previously had been located in the rear of the building. Following a recommendation from New York State officials, the decision was made last year to move the counseling center to the front of the building to provide better confidentiality and privacy.

“Our clinic is accredited by the Office of Mental Health,” said Connie Ackerman, Clinical Coordinator, “and they prefer we offer a private area, separate from the Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic.”

Connie said the new space offers the perfect setting for a clinic. “It has its own entrance, professional-looking offices and waiting areas, and mental health staff only. It has its own identity as a mental health clinic.”

TRC’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services are available to everyone. More than 250 people within and around the Dunkirk community take advantage of the services. There is a unique population blend of clients, ranging from kids to senior citizens.

“We see everybody in the community, and we provide a wide array of mental health services to individuals, families and groups of all ages. Our clinic is not restricted by county lines, and we make every effort to schedule appointments within one week of referral,” said Connie.

The office includes two Psychiatrists (Dr. Steven Sonnenberg and Dr. Caillean McMahon-Tronetti) as part of an overall professional and qualified staff. That staff is able to help people who may be dealing with any type of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and/or any other issue causing major stress in someone’s life. The group also offers psychiatric evaluations and follow-up services. TRC bills most insurances and will contact an individual within 48 hours to schedule an intake appointment.

“It’s been very nice to see the program grow,” Dr. Sonnenberg said.

“I’m excited to be a part of this program, and I think it’s the best thing going,” said Dr. McMahon-Tronetti.

TRC offers a similar program at 344 East Fourth Street in Jamestown. For information or to schedule an appointment, phone 366-6858 in Dunkirk or 661-1590 in Jamestown.