A Space to Pause, a Path Toward Recovery

When emotions become overwhelming, having a quiet place to pause can make a difference. For the approximately one in eight U.S. adults who reported regular feelings of worry, nervousness or anxiety in the CDC’s 2025 National Health Interview Survey, finding ways to manage those feelings is an important part of everyday life.

At Mercy Hospital’s Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PRO’s) Program in Garden City, a newly opened sensory room provides a space to practice those skills. The program celebrated its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming a new resource for participants.

Mercy’s PROS program combines mental health treatment, rehabilitation and support to help individuals living with mental illness build skills, confidence and independence.

Funded by the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the room offers a safe, calming environment where participants can regain a sense of control and practice strategies that support their recovery. It is also a space for learning. Soothing sensory experiences, such as soft lighting, calming sounds, tactile materials and gentle movement, allow participants to explore what helps them feel grounded. Participants experiencing anxiety, agitation, frustration or emotional distress can voluntarily step away from a stressful environment. Through mindfulness, breathing, grounding and relaxation exercises, they can recognize sensory triggers, discover strategies that work for them and build confidence in managing difficult moments.

Additionally, the room brings Catholic Health’s I-CARE values of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence to life. It reflects a commitment to honoring each participant’s choices, responding to distress with compassion and providing thoughtful care that supports individual recovery goals. Its trauma-informed approach emphasizes dignity, safety and personal control, offering a supportive place to pause without punishment or judgment.

Its purpose extends beyond its walls. The coping skills participants develop can support them at home and in their communities, encouraging greater independence throughout recovery. Sometimes, a moment of calm can become an opportunity to move forward.

For more information about Catholic Health’s PROS program call (516) 632-7980. For more information about Catholic Health’s overall Outpatient Behavioral Health Services visit our website.