NewYork-Presbyterian has announced plans to expand its behavioural health services for children and adolescents to address the growing youth mental health crisis.

A $35m gift from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation will support the expansion of child and adolescent inpatient units and the establishment of an ambulatory behavioural health centre at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health in White Plains.

The gift will also be used to enhance telepsychiatry services and develop programmes to increase awareness and access to youth mental health care in the community.

Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation president Alex Cohen said: “Access to high quality behavioural health treatment is so important for children and teenagers.

“We are proud to partner with NewYork-Presbyterian as they work to address the devastating youth mental health crisis and help make a difference in the lives of young people and their families.”

The expansion is aimed at responding to the increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions among young people.

The donation will also support the creation of a second adolescent unit.

In addition, the funds will be used to provide urgent crisis assessments through telehealth appointments, expand care through partnerships with community-based providers, and increase access to mental health services in under served neighbourhoods.

NewYork-Presbyterian president and CEO Dr Steven Corwin said: “With the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation’s visionary gift, NewYork-Presbyterian will lead the way in providing vital care and support to young people and their families when they need it most.”

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation has previously supported the creation of other healthcare facilities at NewYork-Presbyterian.