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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.

June is Pride Month

While belonging to the LGBTQ+ community can bring a source of strength, it also can bring unique challenges.  It is important to recognize that how one relates to their sexual orientation can also have effects on their mental health. Nearly 5% of the population of the United States identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, according to Mental Health America. 

The American Psychiatric Association reports that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more than twice as likely as heterosexual people to experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a mental health condition. The same ratios are seen in substance use rates for the population. They are also less likely to receive effective, compassionate care. 

When it comes to LGBTQ+ youth, reports show that they are twice as likely to report feelings of sadness and depression than heterosexual youth. A 2022 report from the Trevor Project found that just 37% of LGBTQ+ youth identified their home as an LGBTQ+ affirming space. 

It is critical for LGBTQ+ people to have their identities and experiences validated.  Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, it is important to understand LGBTQ+ mental health- and how to find effective and affirming care. 

Westchester’s 988 Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  It is confidential.  It is free.  And when you call from Westchester you are connected to someone right here in Westchester.  Just call, chat or text 988.

The Trevor Project also provided services for the LGBTQ+ community –
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

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.