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.
February is Black History Month and Our Time to Focus on Mental Health
As we turn to February and the celebration of Black History in America, it is important to also bring attention to the Mental and Behavioral Health of Black/African Americans.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health reports that in 2022, suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black and African Americans ages 10 to 24. The death rate from suicide for males was more than four times higher than females. Yet, non-Hispanic Black or African American female students in grades 9–12 were nearly two times more likely than non-Hispanic Black or African American male students to attempt suicide in 2023.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), only 15% non-Hispanic Black adults over the age of 18 received mental health treatment in 2023. This is compared to the 27% rate for non-Hispanic whites. Whether this is because of stigma, culture or inaccessible mental health services, it is vital to ensure that there is no shame in seeking help.
Mental health needs to be a priority. Wellness among Black communities is not a one-size-fits-all approach. You can find tips and resources to support yourself, a loved one and other members of the Black community at Black Mental Health - 988 Lifeline.
If you are in need of support, you can call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline. Available 24/7, the 988 Lifeline works to give all people access to support that reflects their needs.
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.