Sarah had been driving 45 minutes each way to Auburn for her therapy appointments, juggling work schedules and childcare just to get the mental health support she desperately needed. Like many residents in northern Cayuga County, finding accessible counseling services close to home felt nearly impossible.
That long commute became a barrier itself – sometimes she’d skip sessions when life got overwhelming, which was exactly when she needed help most. Sarah’s story isn’t unique in rural communities where mental health resources remain scattered and hard to reach.
Now, families like Sarah’s have a new option much closer to home, thanks to a fresh approach to mental health care that’s putting community accessibility first.
Brave North Brings Comprehensive Mental Health Care to Port Byron
Brave North Therapy officially opened its doors on January 2nd at 2211 State Route 31 in Port Byron, marking a significant expansion of mental health services in northern Cayuga County. The new therapy practice Port Byron residents have been waiting for represents more than just another clinic – it’s a carefully planned response to growing mental health needs in the region.
Founder Kimberly Fortin made the leap from solo practice to group therapy after witnessing firsthand how demand for mental health services continued surging throughout her 12-year career. Her decision wasn’t just about business growth; it was about creating sustainable, accessible care that could truly serve the community’s needs.
“After twelve years in private practice, the demands for mental health services continued to grow and I saw an opportunity to expand into a group private practice,” Fortin explained. “I wanted the new practice to be accessible for our clients – it’s important that we accept insurance, there is adequate parking, and the space is welcoming and safe.”
The practice takes a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, incorporating innovative treatments that recognize the deep connections between mental, physical, and environmental well-being.
What Makes This Practice Different
Brave North Therapy stands out by offering services that many rural communities rarely see combined under one roof. The practice serves both adults and adolescents, with specialized approaches tailored to different age groups and life circumstances.
Here’s what clients can expect from the new facility:
- Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, and trauma recovery
- Family therapy sessions to strengthen relationships and communication
- Couples counseling for relationship challenges and growth
- Lifestyle therapy connecting mental and physical health
- Ecotherapy using nature and outdoor activities for healing
- Both in-person and telehealth options for maximum flexibility
The ecotherapy component particularly sets this practice apart. While traditional therapy happens in office settings, ecotherapy sessions might take place outdoors, using natural environments as part of the healing process. This approach recognizes that connection to nature can significantly impact mental well-being.
| Service Type | Age Groups | Format Options |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Therapy | Adults & Adolescents | In-person & Telehealth |
| Family Therapy | All Ages | In-person & Telehealth |
| Couples Therapy | Adults | In-person & Telehealth |
| Lifestyle Therapy | Adults & Adolescents | In-person Preferred |
| Ecotherapy | All Ages | In-person Only |
“Therapists need to feel supported in their own lives and be able to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout so they can provide the best services possible to their clients,” Fortin noted, highlighting how the practice’s philosophy extends to supporting its own staff.
Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health Care
One of the biggest challenges facing rural mental health care is accessibility – and Brave North has tackled this issue from multiple angles. The practice accepts most major insurance plans, recognizing that cost often prevents people from seeking help when they need it most.
For those without insurance coverage, self-pay options ensure that financial constraints don’t become insurmountable obstacles. The location along State Route 31 provides easy access with adequate parking, eliminating the stress of navigating crowded urban areas or searching for parking spots.
The telehealth services extend the practice’s reach throughout New York and South Carolina, meaning clients can maintain continuity of care even when traveling or unable to attend in-person sessions. This flexibility proved crucial during the pandemic and continues to serve families with complex schedules or transportation challenges.
“We wanted to make sure that geography and logistics don’t prevent people from getting the support they need,” said a representative from the practice. “Mental health care should be convenient and welcoming, not another source of stress in people’s lives.”
The group practice model also means shorter wait times for appointments – a chronic problem in many rural areas where solo practitioners become overwhelmed with demand. Multiple therapists on staff can accommodate more clients and provide specialized expertise across different treatment approaches.
Community Impact and Future Growth
The opening of this therapy practice Port Byron community members can access locally represents a broader shift toward bringing specialized healthcare services to smaller communities. Rural areas have historically struggled with professional shortages, forcing residents to travel significant distances for care.
Mental health advocates see practices like Brave North as crucial for breaking the cycle of delayed or avoided treatment that often characterizes rural healthcare. When services are accessible and welcoming, people are more likely to seek help before reaching crisis points.
Local healthcare providers have welcomed the addition, noting how mental health services complement other medical care. Physical and mental health are deeply interconnected, and having quality mental health resources locally strengthens the entire healthcare ecosystem.
“Having comprehensive mental health services right here in Port Byron means families don’t have to choose between convenience and quality care,” explained one local physician. “It’s a game-changer for our community’s overall health and well-being.”
The practice’s emphasis on supporting its own therapists could help address another rural healthcare challenge – professional retention. By creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes clinician well-being, Brave North aims to attract and keep quality mental health professionals in the area.
Early signs suggest strong community interest, with the practice already building a client base since opening in early January. The combination of accessible location, insurance acceptance, and diverse treatment options appears to be meeting a real need in northern Cayuga County.
FAQs
What insurance plans does Brave North Therapy accept?
The practice accepts most major insurance plans and also offers self-pay options for those without coverage or who prefer private payment.
Do they offer telehealth services?
Yes, Brave North provides telehealth services throughout New York and South Carolina, in addition to in-person appointments at their Port Byron location.
What ages do they treat?
The practice provides services for both adults and adolescents, with therapists trained in age-appropriate treatment approaches for different developmental stages.
What is ecotherapy and how does it work?
Ecotherapy uses outdoor activities and connection with nature as part of the healing process, recognizing that natural environments can significantly impact mental well-being and recovery.
How can someone schedule an appointment?
Interested clients can contact Brave North Therapy directly at their Port Byron location on State Route 31 to schedule initial consultations and ongoing appointments.
What types of mental health issues do they treat?
The practice offers treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and various other mental health concerns through individual, family, and couples therapy approaches.
About the Author
