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 Mental Wellness Month
The month of January is known as Mental Wellness Month. Mental Wellness takes the approach of finding ways to empower oneself, and build upon strengths to increase our levels of wellbeing. When we think about wellness, we think of meditation, focused breathing, mindfulness and encouragement.
As the holiday season closes and January begins, it is important to take time to reflect on your wellbeing. The stress of winter, Seasonal Affective Disorder, credit card bills, holiday weight gain and other stresses can all take a toll on your mental health.
There are many ways to manage these symptoms of stress and anxiety. One, 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.