SLINGERLANDS, N.Y. – October 15, 2024 – Beginning October 15, 2024, Pine Hollow Arboretum will be offering free group therapy for a six-week session at the arboretum’s visitor center. This effort was made possible by a partnership with CDPHP and United Way of the Greater Capital Region.
The sessions, focusing on anxiety and stress reduction, will be led by Caity Gallagher, LMHC. Pine Hollow Arboretum’s visitor center, fondly known as ‘the house in the trees,’ has been used by several therapy groups in the past and the response has been incredibly positive.
“I’m thrilled that together with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, CDPHP is supporting free group therapy sessions at Pine Hollow Arboretum, as we are keenly aware that dedicated time in nature has such a profound effect on physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said CDPHP president and CEO, Brian O’Grady. “I applaud the staff at Pine Hollow for being at the forefront of creative ways to keep our communities healthy.”
“United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) is committed to building healthy communities where all have access to the services and care they need to truly thrive,” said Peter Gannon, UWGCR’s President & CEO. “In the Capital Region, where more than 41% of households live below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold and have a difficult time making ends meet, the Pine Hollow Arboretum’s free therapy offering removes the barrier of cost for individuals who would otherwise struggle to access the care they need. Thanks to United Way’s ongoing partnership with CDPHP, we are able to proudly support the arboretum’s mission and help bring these critical services to even more members of our community.”
"Pine Hollow Arboretum is more than just hiking trails and trees; it's a community resource and a safe place for people to explore complex emotions and mental health concerns,” said Gabrielle Sant'Angelo, Executive Director, Pine Hollow Arboretum. “Pine Hollow is thrilled to collaborate with CDPHP and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region to bring free group therapy to the community members who need it in a tranquil, safe environment."
Pine Hollow Arboretum is a 22-acre, member-supported, not-for-profit arboretum and nature preserve situated in Slingerlands, New York. The arboretum’s catalogued collection consists of more than 3,300 unique trees, shrubs and other woody plants from around the world. This living collection is aesthetically arranged in a natural setting that includes 12 ponds and a natural succession forest. These marvels are all easily accessed by a network of walking trails and bridges throughout the preserve.
While the upcoming fall group therapy sessions are currently booked, anyone interested in participating can join the waitlist by emailing pinehollowarb@gmail.com. The goal is to offer more of these opportunities heading into 2025.
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About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 36 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About Pine Hollow Arboretum
The Pine Hollow Arboretum is a 22-acre public arboretum located in residential Slingerlands, New York. Pine Hollow is home to a horticultural collection of over 3,600 unique trees, shrubs and other woody plants from around the world. The Arboretum is free and open to the public 365 days a year, from dawn until dusk.