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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.

July is BIPOC/Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

In 2008, the United States House of Representatives for the first time, declared the month of July as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Inspired by Bebe Moore Campbell’s dedication to ending stigma in minority communities, we come together to recognize the mental health disparities faced by communities of color.

Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher and mental health advocate who co-founded the Urban Los Angeles chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). Though her writing she demonstrated that mental health impacts every person, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or nationality. For many, especially in the BIPOC/Minority community, culture, language and lived experiences are not always reflected or respected. This very often creates a barrier to accessing necessary care. 

In 2024, Black/African American adults were 11% less likely than US adults overall to report having a mental health issue.

In 2024, Black/African American adults were 36% less likely than US adults overall to receive mental health treatment. 

In 2024, Hispanic/Latino adults were 12% less likely than US adults overall to report having a mental health issue.

In 2024, Hispanic/Latino adults were 28% less likely than US adults overall to have received mental health treatment.

Mental wellness is not one-size-fits-all. We need to end the stigma of mental health and encourage those in need to seek support. You can call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is confidential, free and local.

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.