Morehouse School of Medicine Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic Moves to Families First

MSM partnership with non-profit organization brings behavioral health care to new location in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 16, 2024 – Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) has partnered with the non-profit organization Families First to open a new location for its weekly child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) clinic. Beginning today, MSM behavioral health clinicians will be available to see patients on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 80 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30314.

“We are excited to partner with Families First to provide these culturally and structurally informed child and adolescent psychiatric services in this community,” said Sarah Y. Vinson, MD, DFAPA, Chair of the MSM Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MSM professor of psychiatry and pediatrics, and a triple board-certified child and adolescent, adult, and forensic psychiatrist.

A Child & Adolescent Psychiatry attending physician, CAP fellow, and psychiatry residents will evaluate and treat mental health conditions in youth up to age 21, Dr. Vinson added. The new location is in close proximity to the existing Morehouse Healthcare (MHC) clinics located at 455 Lee Street SW and 1800 Howell Mill Road in Atlanta. The new partnership will provide a great opportunity for cross referral, with MHC clinicians initiating referrals to Families First for youth mental health services and Families First referring patients to MHC for primary and specialty care.

“Families First is looking forward to collaborating with Morehouse School of Medicine to address the psychiatric needs of the Westside Community,” said Families First CEO Paula Moody. “Collaboration and partnerships are the essence of effective and comprehensive behavioral health services. Responding to the needs of people struggling with mental health challenges can’t be addressed by one agency; it takes a team of organizations to help break the stigma, treat trauma, and provide mental health services to everyone regardless of their circumstances.”

Patients and their families may make appointments by contacting Families First at 404-853-2800 or emailing info@familiesfirst.org. 

For 133 years, Families First has been one of Georgia’s leading social service organizations, transforming the lives of children and families in crisis by strengthening the family’s resilience and stability. By focusing on prevention and providing a personal “navigator” to guide families through the complex social services system, the organization’s holistic, comprehensive, results-driven approach moves families from surviving to thriving. Service impact areas include counseling and behavioral health, parenting support, resources for families fostering and adopting, and navigators to strengthen family resiliency. Learn more about Families First at FamiliesFirst.org.

For more information about Morehouse School of Medicine, please visit MSM.edu.

About Morehouse School of Medicine

Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission — the creation and advancement of health equity. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit MSM.edu or call 404-752-1500.

Contact:

Jamille Bradfield

Director, External Communications, Media Relations & Crisis Communications

Morehouse School of Medicine

jbradfield@msm.edu