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.
Honoring Our Veterans and their Mental Health
On the 11th day of November, we pause to honor those who have served our nation in the military. Veterans Day is a time to celebrate, honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was first celebrated on November 11, 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. It was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1938 and renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans, both living and deceased.
Very often, our veteran’s mental health goes overlooked, but there can be consequences of military service that affect their well-being and daily lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adult Americans live with a mental illness, and in 2018 more than 1.7 million veterans received treatment in a VA mental health program. For those suffering from mental health issues, the impact on their daily lives is immeasurable. The ability to function in everyday life can lead to anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares and other side effects, all of which make it difficult to maintain relationships, employment and ability to live an active, adjusted lifestyle.
Our Veterans risked their lives for our country, and they deserve a strong support system. If you know a veteran experiencing the signs below, there may be a need for increased behavioral health support services.
- Appearing sad or depressed most of the time.
- Feeling as if there is no reason to live.
- Feeling unexplained guilt, shame, or a sense of failure.
- Experiencing rage or anger.
- Engaging in risky activities without considering the risks.
- Increasingly smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications.
- Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities and hobbies.
- Neglecting personal welfare, work, or school.
- Pulling away from family and friends.
Help is available.
The Veteran Crisis Line is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is a free call. Just dial 988 and press 1, you will then be connected to a representative qualified to offer support. www.veteranscrisisline.net.
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.