Mamdani Administration Launches $4M Elevate You Youth Clinics at NYC Health + Hospitals Woodhull and Queens
New NYC Elevate You clinics at Woodhull and Queens expand youth mental health and primary care for ages 16–25, backed by $4M from MetroPlusHealth
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joins NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth to announce the launch of two new clinics to provide comprehensive healthcare to young people ages 16 to 25 years old at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull on Thursday, January 22, 2026. -Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office |
By Staff Reporter
Queens Voice
January 22, 2026
Backed by a $4 million investment from MetroPlusHealth, the new Elevate You clinics are designed to address one of the most persistent gaps in youth mental health care: staying connected to providers after turning 21.
According to MetroPlusHealth claims data, nearly 90% of young adults stop seeing their mental health provider after aging out of pediatric care, often leading to worsening health outcomes and avoidable emergency room visits.
City leaders say this initiative is about meeting young New Yorkers where they are — and staying with them as they move into adulthood.
A New Model for Youth Mental Health Care in New York City
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who joined NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth leadership for a ribbon cutting at Woodhull, emphasized that consistent access to health care is essential for young people trying to build their futures in New York City.
“If we want young New Yorkers to chase their dreams here, we have to make it clear that their struggles are not just their own,” Mamdani said. “Access to consistent, high-quality health care is not optional — it’s essential.”
The Elevate You youth clinics offer a comprehensive, wraparound model that combines behavioral health care, primary care, reproductive health services, vocational support, and social services — all delivered by a single, consistent care team that works with patients from age 16 through 25.
This continuity is key. Health officials say many young adults disengage from care not because they no longer need it, but because they lose trusted providers when they age out of pediatric systems.
What Services Do the Elevate You Clinics Provide?
Each Elevate You clinic brings together a multidisciplinary care team, including:
- A psychiatrist
- A nurse
- A social worker
- A youth peer
- A family advocate
The clinics focus on whole-person care, addressing both medical needs and real-life challenges such as school transitions, employment, housing instability, and life skills.
Key components of the Elevate You model include:
- Whole Health Support, including mental health, physical health, and preventive care
- Consistent Care Teams that stay with patients for nearly a decade
- Life Skills and Career Support for college, jobs, and independence
- Youth-Friendly Clinic Spaces designed to feel welcoming, not clinical
Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, said the clinics were intentionally designed to be bright, comfortable spaces that support growth — not just treatment.
“These clinics help young people build the skills they need for the next stage of their lives,” Katz said. “We’re deeply grateful to MetroPlusHealth for supporting this vision.”
Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis in Brooklyn and Queens
Health leaders highlighted the importance of placing Elevate You clinics at Woodhull and Queens, where many young people face barriers to care and limited access to resources.
In Southeast Queens, Dr. Neil J. Moore, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, said the clinics will play a critical role in keeping youth engaged during a pivotal moment.
“By focusing on behavioral health, vocational support, and life skills, we are empowering young people to build a healthier future,” Moore said.
Dr. Omar Fattal, Chief of Behavioral Health Services at NYC Health + Hospitals, emphasized that the program is especially vital for youth aging out of foster care, who often face overlapping challenges related to housing, employment, and mental health.
MetroPlusHealth’s Investment in Youth Health
MetroPlusHealth President and CEO Dr. Talya Schwartz said the $4 million investment reflects a long-term commitment to the city’s young people.
“This is about more than care — it’s about connection, stability, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive,” Schwartz said.
MetroPlusHealth leaders noted that continuity of care is one of the most effective ways to reduce emergency room use and improve long-term health outcomes for young adults.
Part of a Broader Citywide Mental Health Strategy
The Elevate You clinics build on New York City’s expanding youth mental health infrastructure, including:
- The Mental Health Continuum Program, serving students across 50 public schools
The initiative also aligns with the city’s 2024 State of Mental Health report, which called for urgent reforms to address inequities in youth care transitions.
NYC Health + Hospitals currently serves approximately 8,000 children and adolescents each year through inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services and is the largest provider of behavioral health care in New York City, serving nearly 80,000 patients annually.
Looking Ahead
City officials say Elevate You represents a shift in how New York City supports young people — removing age-based barriers and replacing them with long-term relationships and trust.
As Eva Sanders, Associate Executive Director of Behavioral Health at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, put it: “Elevate You is redefining behavioral health by honoring the real-life complexities young people face as they grow into adulthood.”
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