APIC-Access to Psychiatry Through Intermediate Care

APIC-Access to Psychiatry Through Intermediate Care APIC is community-based psychiatrist-directed team that provides hospital diversion services to indi

APIC is a grant funded program created by the University at Buffalo Department of Psychiatry that provides an intermediate level of care created through a community-based, psychiatrist-directed Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) Diversion Team partnered with existing local agencies. APIC serves children, adolescents, and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual dis

abilities, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury, with or without accompanying mental illness. We provide several unique services including intermediate level care coordination, medication management, dually diagnosed wraparound services, and access to mobile psychiatric care. While APIC makes every effort to support the families of all referrals, it is primarily focused on meeting the needs of individuals who can not be served in traditional mental health settings and who would likely require hospitalization or residential placement in the absence of our services.

September marks another anniversary for APIC—and another opportunity to reflect on why this work matters.Over the years,...
09/03/2026

September marks another anniversary for APIC—and another opportunity to reflect on why this work matters.

Over the years, APIC's work has grown through relationships with families, clinicians, first responders, and partner organizations across New York State. But the goal has remained remarkably consistent: understand the individual, bring the right expertise to the table, and help create better paths forward for people with autism and complex needs.

Throughout our anniversary month, we'll be sharing a little more about the principles, partnerships, and experiences that continue to shape the way we approach care.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of that journey.

Anxiety and repetitive behaviors are common among individuals with autism—but their presence doesn't automatically mean ...
09/01/2026

Anxiety and repetitive behaviors are common among individuals with autism—but their presence doesn't automatically mean there is a separate anxiety disorder or OCD diagnosis.

Understanding why a behavior is occurring matters.

Careful diagnostic clarification can help clinicians identify the appropriate treatment targets and avoid adding interventions or medications that may not address the individual's actual needs.

It's another reason individualized assessment is so important: similar behaviors don't always tell the same clinical story.

More isn’t always better.More appointments. More interventions. More medications. More services.Good care isn’t measured...
08/27/2026

More isn’t always better.

More appointments. More interventions. More medications. More services.

Good care isn’t measured by how much we add. It’s measured by whether the support being provided is appropriate for the individual and helping move them toward meaningful goals.

Sometimes progress means adding something new.

Sometimes it means adjusting what’s already there.

And sometimes it means recognizing that something is no longer serving the person at all.

At APIC, we believe thoughtful care means continually asking not just, “What else can we do?” but also, “Is what we’re doing helping?”

Families with complex care needs rarely interact with just one system.Healthcare. Behavioral health. Schools. Community ...
08/25/2026

Families with complex care needs rarely interact with just one system.

Healthcare. Behavioral health. Schools. Community services. State programs. Each may play an important role, but when those systems operate independently, families can be left trying to connect the pieces themselves.

That’s where strong partnerships matter.

At APIC, much of our work happens alongside the organizations already supporting individuals and families, bringing clinical expertise to the table, helping teams work through complex cases, and filling gaps when additional perspective or support is needed.

Because better collaboration doesn’t just strengthen systems.

It makes those systems easier for families to navigate.

A new school year often means new people getting to know your child.Beyond diagnoses, medications, and accommodations, c...
08/20/2026

A new school year often means new people getting to know your child.

Beyond diagnoses, medications, and accommodations, consider sharing the things that help someone understand who your child is:

• How do they communicate when they're comfortable?

• What are some of their strengths and interests?

• What might indicate they're becoming overwhelmed?

• What helps them feel safe or regulated?

• What approaches tend to make a difficult moment harder?

• What does a really GOOD day look like for them?

The information that doesn't always fit neatly into a chart or plan can sometimes be exactly what a new teacher, nurse, aide, or provider needs to build connection and support success.

Here's to a school year that begins with understanding the individual—not just the paperwork.

Sometimes the most important opportunity to provide support happens before a behavioral response.Changes like increased ...
08/18/2026

Sometimes the most important opportunity to provide support happens before a behavioral response.

Changes like increased fidgeting, covering the ears or face, heavier breathing, bouncing or shaking the feet, or beginning to withdraw can be signs that an individual is becoming overwhelmed.

Learning an individual's early signals gives families and care teams an opportunity to respond proactively; adjusting the environment, offering space, or providing support before stress continues to build.

The signs won't look the same for everyone. That's why knowing the individual matters.

A patient's history is important. But it shouldn't be the only thing shaping what happens next.One challenge APIC's clin...
08/13/2026

A patient's history is important. But it shouldn't be the only thing shaping what happens next.

One challenge APIC's clinical team sees is the tendency to accept historical documentation without stepping back to reassess the individual in front of us.

Effective case conceptualization draws from multiple sources: existing records, patient observation and interaction, family perspective, clinical expertise, and, when appropriate, input from a multidisciplinary team.

Because circumstances change. Needs change. And sometimes, a fresh clinical perspective changes the path forward.

Caring for a child with complex needs can become all-consuming.Appointments. Advocacy. Daily care. Planning. Problem-sol...
08/11/2026

Caring for a child with complex needs can become all-consuming.

Appointments. Advocacy. Daily care. Planning. Problem-solving. It's easy for caregivers to continually put their own needs at the bottom of the list.

But caring for yourself; physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually, isn't separate from caring for your child. Having time to recharge and people you can lean on helps build the capacity to continue showing up for someone who depends on you.

At APIC, we encourage families to think about their own well-being and support systems as an important part of the bigger care picture.

No two individuals on the autism spectrum are exactly alike—and their care shouldn't be either.Effective treatment begin...
08/06/2026

No two individuals on the autism spectrum are exactly alike—and their care shouldn't be either.

Effective treatment begins by understanding the individual's strengths, challenges, goals, family dynamics, and barriers to success.

Individualized care isn't about creating a different diagnosis. It's about creating the right plan for the person in front of you.

Receiving an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Families often leave appointments with more questions than answers ...
08/04/2026

Receiving an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Families often leave appointments with more questions than answers and uncertainty about what comes next.

One message we believe every family deserves to hear is this:

There is hope.

With individualized care, thoughtful planning, and the right support, every child has the opportunity to build on their strengths and maximize their developmental trajectory. A diagnosis is the beginning of a journey—not the end of the story.

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928 French Road , Bldg. 1
Cheektowaga, NY
14227

Telephone

+17164067005

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