Genesis Mental Health Clinic – A New Beacon for East Harlem

The journey to mental wellness often starts with a single step—one that can be hard to take, especially when stigma and limited resources block the way. At the heart of East Harlem, a new beacon of hope is lighting up this path: The Genesis Mental Health Clinic, led by Clinical Director Chris Payton, Genesis is a place where second chances are embraced, and dignity is restored. A Leader with Lived Experience Chris Payton's journey is as compelling as it is inspiring. After being incarcerated for 20 years for a crime he didn’t commit, Chris took it upon himself to redefine his story. It was inside the walls of Sing Sing Correctional Facility that Chris found his passion for mental health, studying behavioral science through Mercy College. There, he witnessed the struggles of those battling mental illnesses firsthand, including members of his own family who faced schizophrenia but lacked the understanding and resources to cope. This personal connection spurred Chris to dedicate his life to helping others. Now, as Clinical Director of both the Genesis Mental Health Clinic and the Wellness Center at Exodus, Chris is committed to guiding others through their darkest moments with empathy and expertise. Genesis: A New Approach to Mental Health Care Genesis is more than just a clinic—it’s a transformative experience for individuals and families facing mental health challenges. The Genesis Center provides a range of services including individual, group, and family psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication treatment and education, as well as referrals to other services as needed, the clinic also offers a 24- hour crisis hotline to support clients in emergencies and telehealth options for convenient access to care. Chris emphasizes that Genesis is committed to delivering person-centered care that meets each client’s unique needs. The Urgent Need in East Harlem East Harlem is a community with documented mental health needs but limited access to services. Long waiting lists are the norm at many clinics, leaving those in need without timely care. Genesis aims to fill this gap. As Chris Payton says, "With Genesis, we hope to offer these much-needed services to the population here in East Harlem." But beyond just providing access, Genesis also tackles the stigma surrounding mental health—a stigma that often prevents people from seeking the help they need. Chris believes in changing the language we use to talk about mental health. “It’s not right to define someone as ‘schizophrenic’ or an ‘alcoholic,’” he explains. “These labels make it harder for people to separate their identity from their illness, creating unnecessary shame and preventing them from getting help.” Instead, Genesis promotes a compassionate narrative—people are not defined by their challenges but are individuals striving to overcome them. Integrated, Holistic Care One of the most unique aspects of Genesis is its integrated health model. For individuals with co-occurring disorders, such as substance abuse and mental health issues, the clinic provides referrals to the Wellness Center, Exodus's dedicated substance abuse treatment program. This ensures that both conditions are addressed simultaneously, which research has shown is crucial for long-term recovery. This holistic approach embodies the philosophy that true health is about addressing all facets of a person's wellbeing—mind, body, and spirit. “We’re driven by a person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed model,” Chris says. “Our participants deserve to be treated with dignity, to have their voices heard, and to receive care that meets them exactly where they are in life.” Breaking Down Barriers Together Genesis is slated to open within the next month, and Chris is eager to see its impact on the community. He knows that the people of East Harlem deserve better—better access, better support, and a community that understands and cares. Genesis is for everyone—no matter their circumstances, no matter their insurance status. It is a clinic that refuses to turn people away, a place that provides not just care but also hope. Mental health struggles are often accompanied by isolation, stigma, and misunderstanding. But at Genesis, the goal is to change that. “Stigma is farreaching,” Chris acknowledges. “It affects housing, jobs, relationships—and most importantly, it prevents people from coming into treatment. At Genesis, we want to be the safe space where the community can come for help without fear of judgment.” A Call to the Community The work being done at Genesis and the broader Exodus Transitional Community is about more than just services—it's about transformation. It’s about giving peoplena chance to rewrite their story, and about ensuring that everyone facing mental health challenges can access the support they need to heal. If you or someone you know could benefit from Genesis, or if you’d like to support this vital work, please reach out. Genesis is committed to being a resource for all, whether you're from East Harlem or anywhere else in New York State. Contact Us: Genesis Center: Chris Payton, Clinical Director 929-282-2055; cpayton@etcny.org