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Community Mental Health

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.

January is National Mental Wellness Month

As the calendar turns to a new year, let us turn our attention and awareness to mental health disorders.  We must continue to break the stigma of mental health issues and encourage anyone who may be experiencing them to seek help.

As we begin 2026, we may start to think about the consequences of the holiday season – credit card debt, weight gain and seasonal depression.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five US adults live with mental illness, and the Centers for Disease Control shows data that depression affects approximately 8.4% of US adults.  These statistics can be staggering, but they should make us all aware that someone we know may be facing a mental health crisis.

 Taking time to focus on the importance of mental well-being is a great step towards raising awareness and realizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.  It is vital to establish an emotional balance.  There are always ups and downs, the good and the bad, but being aware of your emotions instead of bottling them up can take you to a healthier place.

There are many ways to manage symptoms, especially of stress and anxiety.  Controlled breathing is a great technique to help:

  • Increase focus, concentration and attention
  • Manage stress and anxiety
  • Lower high blood pressure and control pain

The internet can help you can find different breathing exercises, some taking as little as one minute to perform.

If you find yourself unable to manage your symptoms, it is important to know that you are not alone.  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.