Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Medical Center in Albany, NY
Whitney M Young Jr Health Center delivers equitable and accessible quality care empowering our diverse community to achieve better health and wellness. Founded with a commitment to community health, we have grown into a comprehensive healthcare provider serving the Capital Region of New York. Our team of experienced professionals includes board-certified physicians, dentists, behavioral health specialists, and credentialed healthcare providers who deliver patient-centered care across multiple disciplines. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Joint Commission-accredited organization, we adhere to rigorous standards of clinical excellence while maintaining a focus on whole-person care. We specialize in primary care, dental services, behavioral health, addiction treatment, and preventive medicine, with a particular emphasis on addressing social determinants of health.Our sliding fee scale ensures access to care for underserved populations, and our Health Home Care Coordination program integrates medical, behavioral, and social services for patients with complex needs. Through innovative programs like our Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency and community outreach initiatives, we continually expand our capacity to serve. Our accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and recognition as a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) deemed facility underscore our commitment to quality and safety. We maintain 24-hour on-call coverage for emergencies while operating multiple locations with extended hours to accommodate patient needs. Our dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in our annual reports and statistics that track patient outcomes and service expansion.
Services
Primary Care
Dental Services
Behavioral Health
Addiction Treatment
Pediatric Care
Pharmacy Services
WIC Program
Telehealth
School-Based Health
Lab Services
Highlights and features
- We offer 24-hour on-call coverage for medical emergencies
- Our sliding fee scale accommodates patients with limited income
- We maintain Joint Commission accreditation for clinical excellence
- Our Health Home program coordinates complex medical and behavioral care
- Our CODA-accredited dental residency trains next-generation dentists
Associations and certifications
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Joint Commission
- Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
Services
Primary Care
Our primary care services provide comprehensive, continuous medical care for patients of all ages. We offer preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and acute care treatment in a welcoming environment. Our board-certified physicians develop personalized care plans that address both immediate health concerns and long-term wellness goals. Patients benefit from coordinated care that integrates behavioral health services and specialty referrals when needed.
Dental Services
We deliver essential preventive and restorative dental care including exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Our CODA-accredited residency program ensures access to advanced dental techniques while maintaining affordability. Patients receive education on proper oral hygiene and its connection to overall health conditions like diabetes. Emergency dental treatment is available during regular business hours with complex cases referred to specialists.
Behavioral Health
Our behavioral health services address mental health conditions and substance use disorders through evidence-based therapies. Licensed clinicians provide individual, group, and family therapy using approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Treatment plans integrate medication management when appropriate and coordinate with primary care providers to ensure holistic patient care.
Addiction Treatment
We offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for opioid and alcohol use disorders using FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone. Our comprehensive approach combines counseling, behavioral therapies, and peer support services to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Patients receive coordinated care through our Health Home program to address co-occurring medical and mental health conditions.
Pediatric Care
Our pediatric services provide comprehensive care from newborns through adolescence at our Swinburne Health Center. Board-certified providers offer well-child visits, immunizations, developmental screenings, and treatment for acute illnesses. We emphasize preventive care and early intervention while coordinating with behavioral health specialists to address developmental and emotional needs through a family-centered approach.
People
Lisa Drake
Occupational Therapy
Lisa Drake, MS, OTR/L brings specialized occupational therapy expertise to our rehabilitation services. With advanced training in pediatric and adult therapy, she develops customized treatment plans that improve patients' ability to perform daily activities. Her patient-centered approach focuses on enhancing quality of life through functional improvements.
Rong Zhang
Family Nurse Practitioner
Rong Zhang provides comprehensive family medicine care with a focus on preventive health and chronic disease management. As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, they combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to develop long-term patient relationships. Their practice emphasizes patient education and holistic wellness approaches.
Kenneth Kroopnick
Pediatrics
Kenneth Kroopnick, MD specializes in pediatric care with extensive experience in child health and development. He leads our pediatric services at the Swinburne Health Center, providing comprehensive medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. His approach combines evidence-based medicine with family-centered care to promote optimal child health outcomes.
Hala Awad
Pharmacist
Hala Awad serves as our dedicated staff pharmacist, ensuring safe and effective medication management for patients. She provides medication counseling, monitors treatment plans, and collaborates with providers to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Her expertise includes managing complex medication regimens and addressing drug interaction concerns.
Dr. JP Gonzalez-Torres
Dental Residency Director
Dr. JP Gonzalez-Torres directs our Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program. As a recognized leader in dental education, he oversees clinical training and mentorship for resident dentists. His expertise in restorative dentistry and commitment to community health drives our program's focus on serving underserved populations.
Questions
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major health and dental insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, CDPHP, and UnitedHealthcare. Contact our billing department for specific verification.
Do you offer services for uninsured patients?
Yes, we offer a sliding fee discount program based on income and family size for uninsured patients. Financial assistance specialists help with enrollment.
Are evening or weekend appointments available?
Primary care hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:00pm. We have 24-hour on-call coverage for emergencies but no regular weekend hours.
What dental services do you provide?
We offer exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and emergency dental care. Complex cases may require specialist referrals.
How can I access behavioral health services?
Behavioral health appointments can be scheduled by calling our main number or through provider referral within our integrated care system.
Do you offer substance abuse treatment programs?
Yes, our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program includes buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid and alcohol use disorders with counseling support.
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Reviews (6)
Amy Kimberly Cruz
May 09, 2022
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As a previous employee I can say that all parties involved with the establishment running are all trying their best and genuinely care about the patients. In this climate, it is extremely difficult to find employees. Not sure if the pandemic has truly impacted peoples ability to want to to work, but to find people literally in all positions from call center, to clinical staff, to managerial was and is a challenge.
Melak
Apr 16, 2022
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The worst of the worst I don't recommend anyone to go there at all the people on the phone are very rude and they will hang up the phone on you when u need help just tried to call nd make an appointment for my head injury and she just hanged up the phone on me when I tried to tell her I can't be on the waiting list bc I need it sooner
Jaimie Covert
Apr 14, 2022
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Vile receptionist that snaps at you over the most basic of questions. Can't imagine a worse person to handle customer service than the venomous snake they have managing their phone lines. 0/10.
Mo Lawi
Jan 21, 2022
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I haven't been able to make an appointment during couple of months. Been in queue for 43 & 38 mins each time, but they hung up every time and didn't call back. Their telephone receptionists are very unprofessional & irresponsible.
Krista Harwell
Jan 08, 2022
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If I could give zero stars I would. I transferred with the boys pediatrician because he had seen them for 6 & 12 years. When you call, there is a 30 minute hold time before you speak to a receptionist and everytime I leave message for a call back I NEVER receive one. Not to mention in person visits. Its a two hour trip does not matter what time of day and the lobby is usually empty. Would NOT recommend.
Mele Bulger
Dec 13, 2021
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As a long time employee I would just like say that we are doing the best we can. Those of us still working here are sticking it out and remaining here for you before, during and after Covid, We will continue to remain here for you always. So we are short staffed in our call centers, our front desks, our clinical staff and so on and so forth. Do you think we sit around and plot ways to upset patients?
Do you think we keep you on hold just for fun? Do you think you are more important than the patient being seen before or after you? Do you think it's ok to come in here on a daily basis and behave belligerently and threaten our lives over asking you to keep a mask on and follow Covid regulations and other basic decencies and practice policies. Do you realize the risks we take showing up every day.
We have families and loved ones too. I don't disagree it's frustrating to wait, etc. Perhaps some of you can volunteer in our call center or other short staffed departments and then write a new review.
Do you think we keep you on hold just for fun? Do you think you are more important than the patient being seen before or after you? Do you think it's ok to come in here on a daily basis and behave belligerently and threaten our lives over asking you to keep a mask on and follow Covid regulations and other basic decencies and practice policies. Do you realize the risks we take showing up every day.
We have families and loved ones too. I don't disagree it's frustrating to wait, etc. Perhaps some of you can volunteer in our call center or other short staffed departments and then write a new review.
