Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Unveils Mural Created by Area Students

The Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services today unveiled a new mural created by local youth artists. The mural is located in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ office in Saratoga Springs, reinforcing the County’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality mental health care in modern, welcoming, and well-maintained spaces.

The mural was designed and painted by Stella Kibler, Emme Fischer, and Emily Cheely, rising seniors at Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake High School, under the guidance of art teacher Christine Layden. The design incorporates calming colors, symbolic imagery, and an uplifting message intended to serve as a reminder to every young person who enters the space that they are valued. The students also incorporated the quote “Our world needs your voice, your heart, your story” to empathize that young people’s experiences, emotions, and identities are worthy of being heard.

“We believe that providing modern, well-maintained spaces is an outward expression of our commitment to high-quality mental health care,” said Megan Johnson, Commissioner. “A supportive environment can help reinforce the message that every young person who enters our doors is valued and deserving of care.”

Since 1978, the Saratoga County Mental Health Center’s Youth and Family Services team has delivered specialized, intensive mental health interventions for youth up to 18 and their families. The program pairs community-based treatment with consultative outreach, providing comprehensive local support to young people and families across Saratoga County.

To help bring this vision to life, the Center invited local student artists to contribute to the creation of a new mural—an effort that celebrates student creativity while supporting youth’s voice, connection, and community pride.

The mission of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services is to provide outpatient mental health and alcohol/substance use treatment services that are accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals experiencing mental illness and/or alcohol/substance use challenges, their families, and the community. The Department provides outpatient treatment designed to reduce symptoms of mental illness and emotional disturbance, improve daily functioning, and provide ongoing support through its Mental Health Clinic. Services include emergency and crisis intervention, screening and referral, outpatient therapy, and psychiatric treatment.