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.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Regardless of age, background, or experience, prioritizing mental health is essential.

In May, we highlight the importance of mental wellbeing and mental health, we work to educate the public, we endeavor to reduce stigma and we reinforce support for those affected by mental health conditions. 

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

More than 30 million in the United States lack access to comprehensive, high-quality mental health care. 

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
  • 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
  • In 2022, 22% of high school students seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Every challenge you face shapes you into who you are. Every step we take to break the stigma of mental health is a step in the right direction.

If you are struggling with mental health issues, there is help out there.  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.