Stairways Behavioral Health is a comprehensive mental health care provider serving adults at various stages of recovery. With a reputation as the most progressive mental health care organization in Erie County, Stairways serves over 8,000 individuals each year, offering a broad continuum of rehabilitation, treatment, and support programs. The approach is holistic and multidisciplinary, focusing not only on therapeutic treatment but also on equipping individuals with skills essential for living, working, learning, and fully participating within the community. Stairways emphasizes the development of essential life skills through a blend of therapy, skill-based programs, drug and alcohol treatment, outreach, housing services, adult education, employment services, and opportunities for social engagement.
Among the primary programs offered by Stairways is the Residential Treatment Program for Adults, a 15-bed facility providing 24-hour, supervised care over the course of up to 30 days. This program creates a safe and supportive setting as either an alternative to hospitalization for acute psychological distress or as a bridge for those transitioning out of inpatient mental health care. Each resident receives care tailored to their individual needs, with support provided by psychiatry, nursing, individual and group therapy, and case management. The staff recognizes the importance of kindness, guidance, and routine support for those navigating challenging periods in their mental health journey.
For individuals requiring a more extended recovery period, the Long-Term Structured Residence (LTSR) offers a recovery-focused environment guided by a physician, nurses, mental health professionals, workers, and peer specialists. This treatment-rich program helps participants manage symptoms, develop independent living skills, and plan for community reintegration during an average stay of six months. Referrals to the LTSR are made from supervised settings, and the discharge planning process ensures that participants have access to continued supportive services such as Blended Case Management, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Mobile Medication Management, Certified Peer Support, and Assertive Community Treatment.
Stairways recognizes that some individuals wish to live as independently as possible while still benefiting from shared resources and support. The Lodge program is designed for persons with mental illness who are active members of society and benefit from communal living. Members share responsibilities for managing household activities and expenses, creating their own house rules, and organizing daily life together. Staff involvement is minimal, available primarily in emergencies, to encourage and empower residents toward increased self-sufficiency. Additionally, for young women ages 18 to 25, the Youth in Transition Fairweather Lodge provides skills training and support for independent adulthood, with a focus on achieving goals in living, learning, working, and social relationships.
Personal Care Homes are another crucial aspect of Stairways' services. These 24-hour, supervised, state-licensed homes offer therapeutic support along with recreational and social opportunities for adult residents with complex mental health needs. In these safe, home-like environments, care is individualized to maximize each resident's potential and foster continuing, self-sustained, independent activity. Activities are tailored to the preferences and abilities of each person, both individually and in groups, and residents often have opportunities to enjoy outings in the wider community. Enrollment in these homes ensures that those needing enhanced daily support receive the high level of care necessary in a stable environment designed to promote well-being and independence.
The overall mission of Stairways Behavioral Health is to provide a seamless, supportive network of care, guiding individuals as they progress through different stages of their recovery journey. Through its array of specialized residences, community-based programs, rehabilitative services, and skill-building opportunities, Stairways helps participants realize their goals for independence, stability, and meaningful engagement within the community.