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.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
As daylight hours shorten, many people will experience “winter blues” – feeling sad, sluggish, and overwhelmed. When more serious, the winter blues become Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This time of year, lethargy, depression, appetite change and excessive sleep are all potential signs of the depression known as SAD.
Reduced daylight alone may trigger SAD, but there are other potential added triggers, including holiday stress and family loss or isolation. The National Institutes of Health has studied both winter blues and SAD for decades, and much remains unknown about these mood shifts. Simply put though, if you are feeling depressed as the days get shorter, you may have winter blues. If it happens every year, you may have SAD.
These two conditions may resolve on their own, or you may want to seek treatment. Effective therapies, some non-medical, can help alleviate symptoms. Talk to your own health provider or call the 988 crisis hotline – available 24/7/365. You can also text “988” or find information at www.988lifeline.org.
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.