The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services is responsible for planning, coordination and program

oversight of substance abuse prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation services for the residents of our county.  This is done in cooperation with a large system of not-for-profit agencies and with advisory groups comprised of consumers and providers and in collaboration with the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.  

New York State estimates that there are over 80,000 individuals in need of substance abuse treatment in Westchester County.  Services are offered through the county in schools and community youth settings and in inpatient, outpatient and residential programs licensed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.  In Westchester County, counseling and treatment services are available in over 70 programs operated by 25 not-for-profit agencies; substance abuse prevention is offered in over 50 middle and high schools in the county.  

Programs for "special populations" such as pregnant women, adolescents, criminal justice referrals and individuals with co-occurring mental illness and chemical dependency are available in locations throughout the county.  

Many agencies offer treatment services in Spanish and other languages.  Most outpatient programs offer evening hours.  Treatment availability is not based on ability to pay - sliding fee scales are available in determining client fees.

Early intervention is provided in employee assistance programs and student assistance programs which base clinical staff in the workplace or in schools.  This facilitates confidential support groups, evaluation and referral to treatment.  

Treatment and rehabilitation services for substance abuse may involve inpatient detoxification and/or rehabilitation, outpatient clinic and day intensive, methadone maintenance and community long-term residential care. 

Vocational services are integrated into outpatient and residential treatment settings.