From its inception in 1955, BryLin Hospitals has been recognized as Western New York's only private psychiatric and substance abuse treatment facility. During the last fifty years our mental health care delivery system has been influenced by many factors that have shaped our present services. Changes in psychiatry and substance abuse services have been especially significant in recent years. The following overview of BryLin Hospitals' early beginnings and growth through the years parallels some of these changes and provides the framework for future growth.
1955- The Beginning of BryLin Hospitals
BryLin Hospital began as the idea of Leonard Pleskow and a small group of community psychiatrists. A former nursing home, located at the corner of Linwood and Bryant was converted to the first licensed private psychiatric hospital in Western New York. The Hospital was named Linwood-Bryant for its location.
1958 - A two story brick building was added, increasing the hospital's capacity to 65 beds.
1976 - Addiction Medicine Services Begin
The former Pavilion Nursing Home at 1263 Delaware Avenue was purchased and the hospital moved here - its present location. The name was changed to BryLin Hospital and a 30 bed unit called Rush Hall was opened for the treatment of alcoholism. The new hospital had a capacity of 68 psychiatric beds.
1982 - Addiction Services Grow
Certification was received from the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse for 14 additional beds.
1985 - New Facility Opens
BryLin's first outpatient clinic for the treatment of chemical dependency opened at 1275 Delaware Avenue. Rush Manor, a 66-bed inpatient facility for the treatment of chemically dependent adults and adolescents was opened on 36 acres of land in Alden, New York.
1986 - Meeting the Need
A 17-bed program was established to serve the special needs of geriatric psychiatric patients. BryLin's outpatient clinic expanded and relocated to the Seton Office Building.
1988 - Keeping pace with change
On September 1st, the Williamsville Outpatient Clinic was opened to provide substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents. The names Rush Hall and Rush Manor were changed to BryLin Hospitals Chemical Dependency Services and BryLin - Alden to reflect the comprehensive services offered.
1991 - Blending Expertise. BryLin Hospitals begins services for patients with a dual diagnosis of addiction and psychiatric disorder (MICA).
1992 - Another First. A 20-bed Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit was opened.
1995 - Top 4% of All Hospitals in the U.S.A.
BryLin Hospitals receives Joint Commission Accreditation with commendation - an honor bestowed on only 4% of hospitals in the United States.
2002 - BryLin starts Acupuncture Program for Substance Abuse Services.
2003 - BryLin starts an outpatient program for professionals (healthcare, legal, law enforcement and business executives) seeking treatment for substance abuse problems.
