Watch the News Conference HERE.
Visit DCMH Services Online Map and Directory HERE.
July 16, 2019 - Westchester County Executive George Latimer unveiled today a new, high-tech behavioral health service map and directory which will assist residents of Westchester County in finding the services they need. The online map and searchable database of service programs was developed by the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), in cooperation with the County’s Department of Information and Technology (DoIT).
Developed by a team of DCMH and DoIT staff over the course of three years, the Geographic Information System (GIS) based model expanded the long-utilized hard copy publication of services. Anyone from the community can now go to the County’s website and locate services for any of the major mental health, substance use or developmental/intellectual disability needs for which they are seeking help. A directory of services gives specific information on hundreds of service providers, their location and even Bee Line bus routes to assist with transportation in getting people to the services they seek, across the County.
Latimer said: “This brings our system of services to life. If a person needs one or more behavioral health service, and are looking for assistance right near their home, now they can easily find treatment nearest their address. If they are looking for a specialty treatment or one that deals with several needs at once, they can search for that, and even find the location on the map. This is an amazing tool that I believe will help the people of Westchester better access the care they need.”
In a brief demonstration for the media, demonstrated how easy it is for people to navigate the online map and directory. In an effort to promote usage of the new service, Westchester County will be adding the link to the website as DCMH Services, as well as promoting it throughout the County’s social media platforms. Users can easily locate the link to the map by typing “DCMH Services” into their search engine.
DCMH Commissioner Michael Orth said: “I am deeply grateful to the team from our department and the staff in IT. Their willingness to collaborate on this innovative tool has resulted in a substantial increase in people’s ability to find the services they need.”
DoIT Commissioner Marguerite Beirne said: “DoIT is pleased to have worked collaboratively with DCMH in building an electronic, searchable directory and searchable map of DCMH service provider information. County residents can easily access this information using the latest technology; mobile, desktops and tablets. This initiative highlights DoIT’s mission to design, build, procure, implement and support information systems and technology that help all Westchester County departments and stakeholder agencies operate more effectively and efficiently, and to make information more accessible to the public.”
CEO of the Mental Health Association of Westchester Charlotte Ostman, LCSW-R said: “One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is not knowing how or where to begin. People who are in need of support will now have a quick and easy way to access services. That’s especially important when someone is in crisis. This is a valuable tool that will modernize the way people find resources for recovery. We look forward to sharing it in the community.”