County provides mental health resources and supports during health crisis

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Westchester County.

(White Plains, NY) – On March 26, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Community Mental Health Commissioner Michael Orth hosted a Facebook LIVE on mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Watch the Facebook Live Here.

The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), together with its partner agencies, is offering guidance and support to Westchester County’s residents as they cope with the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  It is projected that the health crisis precipitated by COVID-19 could have a lasting impact on the mental health of the citizens of Westchester. People may experience stress, fear, grief, depression and anxiety. DCMH has implemented educational and supportive services through various forms of communication, including a dedicated telephone resource line, social media, taped video recordings, chat lines, printed materials and linkage to counseling.

“It is important that we practice emotional wellness and take care of our mental health during such stressful times,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “Through the efforts of Community Mental Health and our partners we are offering many different resources and services to support our residents,” he added.

DCMH will partner with different organizations and private clinicians to provide the following supports: 

  • DCMH Information, Support and Referral line at (914) 995-1900 8a.m. to 8p.m./text #914-461-7281.

Access to counseling and other supportive services through provider network and pro bono clinicians.

  • St. Vincent’s Crisis Prevention and Response Team Services (914) 925-5959.
  • On-going educational and supportive services on such topics as coping, addressing anxiety, parenting through this difficult time, and mindfulness exercises through various tele-communication.

An example of such support is “Parenting Through the Storm: One Breath at a Time.”  In the blink of an eye, parenting has become much more complicated and confusing.  Westchester Jewish Community Services is offering free weekly live streamed parenting groups, led by WJCS professionals in partnership with the Department of Community Mental Health.  The groups will be offered each Wednesday, starting April 1st, at 11 a.m. to explore various topics and challenges relating to how to cope with the “here and now.”  To join the live streamed parenting group on Wednesday April 1st, please click on this link: https://zoom.us/j/830644997. The meeting ID is: 830 644 997.  Videos of the parenting groups will be made available for those who cannot attend during the lives sessions.

“In these challenging times we must support each other. While we may not be able to come together in the traditional way, WJCS is proud to join with Westchester County Executive George Latimer in bringing us together virtually to helping parents navigate the unique challenges we face today,” said WJCS CEO Seth Diamond. “I want to thank the County Executive for his leadership.  WJCS looks forward to presenting these sessions to the Westchester community.”

Michael Orth, Commissioner Department of Community Mental Health added, “We appreciate the overwhelming support from our organizations, non-profit agencies, and private clinicians during this time of need. We encourage our residents to check out the Westchester County website or call us directly (914) 995-1900/text (914) 461-7281 for a list of resources, services and referrals.”