The Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) plans, oversees and coordinates services for individuals with behavioral health issues and their families. Behavioral health includes mental illness, developmental/intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.
We have created an online resource directory that we hope residents and professionals will use to locate the many and varied behavioral health resources in Westchester County.
DCMH MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health is to enrich and enhance the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families living with mental health concerns, substance misuse, addictions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or the co-occurrence of any of these issues, to reach their full potential. This mission is achieved by providing a system of care guided by values and ethical practices which prioritize equitable access to strength-based, trauma-informed, culturally, racially, and linguistically responsive services that are coordinated and individualized to meet their needs.
October — Depression Awareness Month
Depression Awareness Month is observed every October to educate the public about the realities of depression, and the resources available to those struggling.
- Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common mental illness in America with at least 8% (21 million) of all American adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode.
- About 15% of Youth (3.7 million) ages 12-17 are affected by depression.
- Only about 35% suffering from depression seek professional help. People often resist treatment because they believe that depression isn’t serious or that they can treat themselves.
- Depression can cause severe symptoms that impact how a person feels, thinks, and handles everyday activities such as working or eating.
Symptoms of Depression include:
- A persistent sad or anxious mood
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Weight fluctuations
- Irritability
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Help is just a phone call away for you or a loved one.
The Westchester 988 Call Center and www.988lifeline.org are saving lives and helping people in their time of need. If you or someone you know needs help call, text or chat 988.
Through the 988 Lifeline, you will have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. Skilled, judgment-free counselors are there to provide compassionate support.
988 will also provide translation in more than 240 languages.
By raising awareness and promoting understanding of depression, we can support those affected by depression and encourage Westchester County residents to utilize the resources available and seek help.
If you or someone you know needs support now, contact:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 or chat here – you will be directed to local resources
- You can also learn more about 988 and have access to related national information by visiting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website.
- Crisis Prevention and Response Team: (914) 925-5959
- NYS Substance Abuse HOPEline: (877) 8-HOPENY / Text 467369
- Or, you can always call 911 in any emergency
For more information about the Department of Community Mental Health’s programs and services, please call us at 914-995-5220, Monday- Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm or see our Quick Links on the left or our menu at the top right-hand corner of your screen.