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Superhero Therapy: An Innovative Way to Get Kids to Open Up

2026-04-24T17:06:33-04:00April 24th, 2026|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , |

Most children have favorite superheroes. For Geovany Martinez, Clinic Director for the Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) Clinic in Yonkers, those superheroes are the doorway into the thoughts and feelings of his young clients. In individual therapy as well as in the Superhero Play Therapy Groups he conducts, Martinez uses characters from pop culture to help young clients, usually between the ages of five to nine, talk about their distress, symptoms, and stories.  Martinez’s office is filled with superhero stickers on the wall and superhero figurines. It’s an environment which invites discussion about beloved superheroes and TV characters. "Hearing someone ...

Supporting Each Other Through Chronic Illness

2025-06-05T09:54:20-04:00June 4th, 2025|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , |

Life-threatening illness can take its toll, not only on an individual but also their family. That’s why, for years, WJCS has provided individual and family counseling and supportive connections when people and their loved ones face chronic or life-limiting illness. Jane Slevin, LMFT, facilitator of a WJCS support group which is composed of people with a variety of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, cancer, neuropathy, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), explained “each month we discuss a wide range of topics, like coping mechanisms, symptoms, family dynamics, navigating the medical system. and life in general.” “When I joined the group ...

9 Ways to Boost Your Sense of Well-Being

2025-06-04T15:42:01-04:00May 22nd, 2025|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , |

This is the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend, what many of us think of as the beginning of the summer season. The warmer weather brings a bounty of reasons it’s easier to commit to improving our own well-being. Exercising outside—whether it involves walking, jogging, or playing tennis or golf—is infinitely more pleasurable when the sun is shining, grass is green, and flowers are blooming. Local farm fresh fruits and vegetables are available in local grocery stores and outdoor markets. Gardening is not only an activity that keeps you fit; many people find it calming and therapeutic.  Need more inspiration ...

Time to Take a Breath

2024-11-04T12:54:45-05:00November 26th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , |

By Brenda Haas, LMSW, Ed.M., Director of WJCS Guiding Parents Through Services Program and Partners in Schools Consultant at Leffell School    The fall season is in full swing. Kids’ schedules are packed, parents are trying to balance work and family, and the holidays are almost here. Having a full life is a blessing, but it can also be stressful to manage it all.     Stop. Pause for 60 seconds. And breathe.  Calming our bodies and minds through simple breathing techniques is a proven ways to reduce anxiety and modulate mood. Consciously switching our attention from everything whirling around in ...

WJCS Initiates Zero Suicide Model with NYS Office of Mental Health

2024-09-09T15:22:37-04:00September 6th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a yearly reminder of the staggering rates of suicide and the importance of identifying and helping people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States with over 49,000 people having died by suicide in the U.S. in 2022 and 13.2 million seriously contemplating suicide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), the largest provider of licensed community-based mental health services in Westchester County, is closely collaborating with the NYS Office of Mental Health ...

Recovery is Possible with WJCS

2024-09-11T13:49:12-04:00March 14th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

The number of people suffering from both mental health and substance use disorders is skyrocketing, with approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States experiencing these co-occurring conditions, according to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Unfortunately, the result of experiencing both disorders can be tragic. Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), the largest provider of licensed outpatient mental health services in Westchester, is now providing comprehensive integrative, evidence-based treatment for county residents experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. “People suffering from co-occurring mental health and substance use problems often experience severe and chronic challenges regarding ...

Helping People with Disabilities Enjoy a Full Life

2024-02-22T09:57:25-05:00February 20th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

People with disabilities tend to experience loneliness and social isolation at significantly higher rates than people without disabilities. They are also at a higher risk for experiencing trauma. Loneliness is a particularly significant driver of poor well-being among people with a disability. Interventions to reduce loneliness make a huge impact. The adults we serve are eager to lead rich, full lives—but they need support. They need help with life skills, like time management and helping with household chores to the best of their ability. They need vocational counseling and opportunities for recreation, socialization, and community involvement. And, some individuals need significant daily care. "All of us ...

Mental Health & Substance Use: Overcoming the Challenges

2024-11-26T11:59:56-05:00February 13th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , |

The number of people suffering from mental health and substance use problems are skyrocketing. More than 20% of Americans, including youth, teens, and adults of different socioeconomic groups, are living with a mental illness. Only about half of adults receive treatment. More than 20 million Americans 12 years and older are affected by substance use disorder. These conditions don’t discriminate. They affect people in all socioeconomic groups. "I came to WJCS for therapy at a time of serious distress in my 20’s. I couldn’t afford much, and was able to pay just a very modest amount thanks to financial ...

WJCS Celebrates Our Peer Specialists

2023-10-19T13:47:21-04:00October 13th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , |

October 19th is Global Peer Support Celebration Day. At WJCS, our Peer Specialists play an important role in aiding the recovery of individuals from mental illness and/or substance use. Peer Specialists walk hand in hand with our clients from the perspective of a “shared experience.” The Peer Specialist is in a unique position to truly understand what it is like for someone who struggles with challenges related to mental illness and/or substance use. Our WJCS Peer Specialists assist individuals by using the skills they have learned, the connections they have made, and the resources they know from first-hand experience. ...

Meaningful Friendships that Promote Mental Wellness

2023-10-19T13:41:06-04:00October 14th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , |

This year the WJCS Compeer program, a supportive friendship program in which each volunteer is matched with an individual recovering from mental illness, celebrates its 50th anniversary. By facilitating friendships, Compeer helps mental health clients feel less isolated and more integrated into their communities. Compeer started as a small program in upstate New York and has grown into an international organization with over 40 chapters. Compeer volunteers commit to spending time with a mental health client for a year or more. Research has shown that most Compeer clients see improvements in multiple areas of their lives as a result ...

How WJCS Nurse Practitioners Make an Impact

2023-11-15T12:25:26-05:00October 30th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

This week, November 12-18, is National Nurse Practitioners Week. Thank you to the incredible contributions of our exceptional nurse practitioners at WJCS. Your hard work, compassion, and dedication to improving the mental health of the clients we serve is truly commendable. Your commitment and skill is appreciated. We are grateful to have such a talented and caring team. At WJCS, our team of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) support both the mental and physical health of our clients. LPNs in each of our clinics meet with all new admissions for Health Monitoring Visits. During these visits LPNs check vital signs, ...

Overcoming Self-Sabotage: How to Get Out of Your Own Way

2023-09-28T15:23:50-04:00July 18th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage|Tags: , , , , , , |

We’ve all heard the saying, “getting out of your own way,” but what does it truly mean? Donna Brooks, a social worker who co-leads parenting and domestic violence survivor groups at the WJCS Trager Lemp Center for Treating Trauma and Promoting Resilience, has recently published a book called B.O.S.S.: A Self Guide on How to Be the Boss You Were Meant to Be. B.O.S.S. stands for Brave Outstanding Sense of Self. Here is a brief excerpt providing guidance for how to get out of your own way and prevent self-sabotage so you can lead the life you want to ...

WJCS Chief Psychologist & Director, Liane Nelson, Ph.D., Presents at NatCon23

2023-06-08T13:51:17-04:00June 8th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

WJCS Chief Psychologist & Director Presents at National Conference About Importance of Trauma-Informed Supervision to Respond to the Collective Traumas of COVID-19 and Racism   The National Council for Behavioral Health Conference, typically referred to as NatCon, is the largest mental health and substance use conference in the world. Dr. Liane Nelson, Ph.D, Chief Psychologist at Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) and Director of the WJCS Trager Lemp Center for Treating Trauma and Promoting Resilience, and Reverend Daphne Swinton, LMHC, MPA, gave a presentation on Implementing Trauma-Informed Supervision to Respond to the Collective Trauma of COVID-19 and Racism at ...

10 Tips for Mental Wellness and Self-Care

2023-11-21T15:52:03-05:00May 16th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

As an agency serving the mental health and wellness needs of individual across the lifespan, WJCS is focusing not just on the mental health of our clients, but also our team members. In order to guard against burnout and vicarious trauma while boosting connections, stress-reduction, self-care, and community spirit, WJCS is hosting Employee Mental Health & Wellness activities such as gardening, fun & games in the sun, and a workshop on stress reduction & relaxation techniques. We’re also reminding our employees of our Employee Assistance Program and sharing 10 tips for Self-Care and Mental Wellness. We’re sharing those tips with ...

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2024-10-10T13:14:37-04:00October 8th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , |

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Relationship violence affects millions of people, both children and adults, and can leave long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. WJCS is proud to partner with the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation in our Margaret's Place program, which provides safe spaces within Westchester public schools where middle school and high school students can share their experience with relationship violence, get counseling, and find hope and healing. Margaret Place educates youth and school communities about violence prevention and engages peer leaders in public awareness programs. While most people recognize how dangerous domestic violence is, both ...

988: New Suicide & Crisis Hotline

2022-07-18T14:49:34-04:00July 14th, 2022|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

On July 16th, a new Suicide and Crisis Hotline is being launched. By dialing or texting 988, people who are experiencing emotional distress, substance use issues, or suicidal thoughts will be connected to an expanded network of mental health professionals. Employees and volunteers staffing the 24-hour hotline will be counselors trained in a wide range of mental health issues, including self-harm, addiction, and suicidal ideation. This New York Times article provides details about this new hotline which is aimed at addressing the mental health crisis in our country. Learn about Mental Health services provided by WJCS. ...

World Mental Health Report

2022-08-10T15:36:34-04:00June 17th, 2022|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Internal, General|

The World Health Organization (WHO) just released its world mental health report, drawing on evidence from countries across the globe. Its findings highlight the devastating effects the pandemic has had, with skyrocketing rates of depression and anxiety, conditions that even pre-pandemic were at epidemic levels. The world report aims to inspire and inform change Here are some of the key points emphasized: We need to intensify our collaborative effort to integrate mental health and primary health care. Mental health is critically important for everyone, everywhere. Mental health needs are high but responses are insufficient and inadequate. A commitment to ...

VOLUNTEERING IN WESTCHESTER: An Antidote to Loneliness

2022-05-11T11:37:25-04:00May 11th, 2022|Categories: Mental Health, General|

It’s probably not a coincidence that July, a month that launches with Independence Day celebrations and is, for many people, filled with carefree summer socializing, has three national days devoted to countering loneliness.  July 11  is national “Cheer Up the Lonely Day.” July 29 is “Talk in an Elevator Day.” July 30  is “International Day of Friendship.” Feelings of loneliness are all too common among Americans. AARP research shows that 44 million adults age 45 and older experience chronic loneliness.  A recent survey of 20,000 Americans ages 18 and older, conducted by Cigna and Ipsos, a market research firm, ...

Destress Now: 10 Steps to Enhance Your Health and Well-Being

2022-09-06T10:41:10-04:00May 9th, 2022|Categories: Mental Health, Featured Homepage, General|

It's Mental Health Month, a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of self care. Here are 10 quick tips for keeping stress under control: 1. Stick to a schedule. Our lives have been in a constant state of change since the start of the Covid pandemic. Create sleep, eating, work, and socializing routines to help maintain a sense of calm and predictability. 2. Exercise every day. Research shows that movement helps regulate mood. The weather is getting warmer, plus there are are lots of free fitness classes available online. Get moving and you'll feel fitter physically and ...

Domestic Violence: Myths vs. Realities

2023-10-19T13:36:28-04:00September 4th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While most of us recognize how devastatingly dangerous domestic violence is, both physically and emotionally, few of us are as knowledgeable as we should be about this vitally important social problem. Here are some common misconceptions about domestic violence...and the reality: 1. Myth: Most people report instances of domestic violence to the police. Reality: Half of abused women do not tell the police, according to the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics. 2. Myth: Acts of domestic violence are generally physical or sexual. Reality: Any pattern of coercive behavior—whether it's physical, ...

Telehealth for Behavioral Health Services

2021-02-12T15:55:24-05:00October 29th, 2020|Categories: Mental Health|

WJCS is committed to offering its full array of behavioral health services via telehealth for persons with Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicare, and some commercial insurance plans. Services include the full array of behavioral health services, from individual, family, and group therapy to psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management. What is telehealth? Telehealth is the use of technology to allow providers to remotely provide clients the same treatment that they would receive at their doctor’s office, but instead through video chat websites and applications. During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, state and federal authorities are allowing WJCS and other providers ...

Insurance Plans Accepted by WJCS

2023-02-09T16:15:07-05:00October 27th, 2020|Categories: Mental Health|

WJCS accepts an array of public and commercial insurance plans for its behavioral health services. We accept Medicaid and Medicare, and most managed care plans, as well as a number of commercial insurance plans. We also have a sliding fee scale for those who do not have insurance. WJCS provides service regardless of one’s ability to pay. Here is a list of the managed care and commercial insurance plans WJCS accepts: In-Network Managed Care Plans Accepted by WJCS AFFINITY HEALTH PLAN/BEACON (includes Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Harp, Essential Plan 1-4) HEALTHFIRST (includes Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Harp, Essential Plan 1-4) ...

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – Frequently Asked Questions

2021-04-16T18:11:23-04:00October 27th, 2020|Categories: Mental Health|

Q. What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)? A. DBT is a cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive behavioral treatment approaches and Eastern philosophies, like mindfulness and acceptance. Q: What types of problems are best treated by DBT? A. DBT helps with regulating intense, painful emotions; controlling life-threatening and life-interfering behaviors; managing difficult interpersonal relationships; and fostering more life balance. Q. How is DBT integrated in WJCS mental health treatment? A: Many therapists incorporate DBT strategies and skills into treatment. A therapist may recommend that a client attend a DBT training group in conjunction with individual therapy. Comprehensive DBT Therapy may ...

Navigating the Challenges of Mental Health During Covid-19

2020-10-27T20:24:22-04:00October 26th, 2020|Categories: Mental Health, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

This has been a very challenging time for many people. The coronavirus pandemic has led to feelings of loneliness, fear, grief, anxiety, and depression. As the largest provider of licensed outpatient community mental health services, WJCS is here to help Westchester residents who are struggling and feeling overwhelmed. Since mid-March, WJCS has had over 30,000 Telehealth sessions with clients, by video chat and phone. Ann Brammer, Director of our Mt. Vernon Mental Health Clinic, has worked at WJCS for over 30 years. As she says in the video above, "I've helped many people navigate some of the biggest struggles of their lives but none as difficult as the current crisis. ...

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