For 15 years, Aris Clinic has helped children, teens, and families navigate some of life’s most difficult mental health challenges, providing the intensive support, skills, and resources they need to move forward.
Since opening its doors in 2011, Aris Clinic’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) has served over 2,000 children and families, helping young people achieve greater stability at home, at school, and in their communities.
On August 26, the Aris Clinic team gathered at the Woodbury clinic to celebrate that impact and the people who have made it possible. Staff were joined by family members, referral partners, and business partners for an afternoon of conversation, refreshments, and reflection on 15 years of serving children and families.
Meeting a Critical Need for Children and Families
Aris Clinic was founded in 2011 by Shalene Kennedy, MD, in response to a need for more comprehensive pediatric mental health services.
From the beginning, the Intensive Outpatient Program was designed to provide a level of care between traditional outpatient therapy and hospitalization for children and teens whose emotional or behavioral health challenges were significantly affecting their daily lives.
Through a coordinated approach that brings together therapy, psychiatry, family support and education, the program helps children and teens develop the skills they need to better manage their mental health and successfully transition back to their everyday lives.
Over 15 years, the program has grown and evolved, but its purpose has remained constant: empowering children and families with hope, healing, and the tools to build healthier futures.
Celebrating the People Behind the Impact
Behind every child and family served is a team of people committed to doing difficult, meaningful work.
During the anniversary celebration, Dr. Kennedy took a moment to recognize the Aris Clinic team and thank them for continuing to show up for children and families each day.
“This work isn’t always easy, but every day our team shows up ready to help kids and families move forward. Over the past 15 years, that commitment has made a difference in the lives of so many people. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has been part of that work and helped make Aris Clinic what it is today.” — Shalene Kennedy, MD, Founder and Owner, Aris Clinic
The anniversary gathering provided an opportunity to recognize the clinicians, mental health practitioners, educators, medical professionals, and support staff who have contributed to that work throughout Aris Clinic’s history. It was also a chance to thank the families who have trusted Aris Clinic with their care and the referral and community partners who have helped connect children and teens with the support they need.
Looking Ahead
Fifteen years represents thousands of days of showing up, doing the work, and helping children and families take meaningful steps forward.
As Aris Clinic looks toward the future, that commitment remains unchanged. The team will continue working to provide comprehensive, collaborative mental health care that meets children and families where they are and gives them the skills and support they need to build healthier, more stable lives.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Aris Clinic story over the past 15 years. We are proud of the impact we have made together and look forward to the lives we will continue to touch in the years ahead.
