Mental Health Archives - Westchester Jewish Community Services

Discussing Difficult Topics with Clients

Miriam Arond2025-10-07T13:24:00-04:00October 7th, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: dbt, clinicians, ed institute, Mental Health|

Dates & Times: 11/4/25 9-11am & 12/2/25 9-11am Enrollment Limited to: No limit Contact Hrs: 4 CEU’s: 4 Have you ever been uncomfortable discussing something sensitive with a client? In this two-part course, clinicians will learn how to engage in difficult conversations with their clients. The first session will cover general background on client- and therapist-interfering thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of approaching difficult conversations. We will use concepts from DBT and a framework for working with “resistance” and getting “unstuck.” The second session will focus more on practical application in the form ...

Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) – WJCS STAFF ONLY

Miriam Arond2025-10-21T14:05:55-04:00September 22nd, 2025|Categories: Courses|Tags: psychiatric advance directive, pad, ed institute, Mental Health|

A Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) is an instruction to be followed when a person isn’t able to make decisions regarding her/his physical or mental health treatment. Learn your responsibilities and the rights of people who create a PAD. Learn to use a PAD as an empowering wellness tool.

Gaining Skills and Confidence: WJCS’ Volunteer Internship Program (VIP)
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Gaining Skills and Confidence: WJCS’ Volunteer Internship Program (VIP)

Miriam Arond2025-07-02T16:17:07-04:00July 1st, 2025|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: volunteer internship program, vip, jodi maxner, internship, Disabilities, Mental Health|

by Ava Propper Rubin (From left: Jodi Maxner, WJCS VIP Coordinator; Susannah, VIP participant; Maria F. Callarame, External Affairs Manager at St. Joseph's Medical Center) “Volunteering at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers has been a wonderful experience for me. It has been the perfect stepping stone as I re-enter the world of work. I work as a cashier in the gift shop four days a week. I am slowly overcoming my fears of getting back to work and socializing in professional environments. I have gained confidence that I am capable of being professional in the workplace.” ~Susannah, ...

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Supervision

Miriam Arond2025-06-17T14:59:26-04:00June 17th, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: collective trauma, ed institute, vicarious trauma, trauma-informed supervision, Trauma, Mental Health|

This Introduction to Trauma-Informed Supervision is the required first step for supervisors in Westchester to become involved with Trauma-Informed Supervision work groups. This training will provide supervisor participants with a foundation in trauma and resilience as incorporated in their roles as supervisors, with particular attention to collective traumas and vicarious trauma.

9 Ways to Boost Your Sense of Well-Being
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9 Ways to Boost Your Sense of Well-Being

Miriam Arond2025-06-04T15:42:01-04:00May 22nd, 2025|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: national mental health awareness month, well-being, Mental Health|

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 ...

Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT): Clinical Strategies for Engagement, Selection, and Initiation

Miriam Arond2025-05-14T11:06:09-04:00May 14th, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: addiction treatment, drugs, withdrawal, addiction, clinicians, co-occurring disorder, ed institute, Mental Health, Substance Use|

Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT): Clinical Strategies for Engagement, Selection, and Initiation

National Nurses Week is May 6-12
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National Nurses Week is May 6-12

Miriam Arond2025-05-08T12:20:18-04:00May 8th, 2025|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: nurse appreciation, national nurse week, social services, Mental Health|

This is National Nurses Week, a recognition of the incredible nurses and nurse practitioners who serve across our agency. "At Westchester Jewish Community Services, our mission of providing compassionate, high-quality mental health and social services would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and heart that our nurses bring to their work every day," said Seth Resnick, M.D. DFAPA, FASAM, Chief Medical Officer at WJCS. "Whether supporting clients in our mental health clinics and assisting in care coordination or providing community-based services in our residential programs, our nurses play a vital role in promoting well-being, safety, and dignity for ...

Dr. Samuel Kahn 2025 Memorial Lecture

Miriam Arond2025-04-22T12:20:14-04:00April 22nd, 2025|Categories: Samuel Kahn Memorial Lecture|Tags: dr. tova klein, samuel kahn, samuel kahn memorial lecture, Mental Health|

The Annual WJCS 2025 Samuel Kahn Memorial Lecture will highlight Raising Resilience, Dr. Klein’s new book about her work in helping children thrive in the face of everyday uncertainty, as well as devastating events. Dr. Klein will discuss how research on trauma and its impact on emotional and intellectual development, including her own findings, can help parents offset and even avoid damage that could derail their children’s future. The stressors and traumas could include peer conflicts, divorce, moving, academic struggles, and larger national events. Parents can learn to instill in their children the emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and social know-how they need to manage life’s challenges, build the resources to bounce back, and create a lasting capacity for happiness.

The Intersection of Trauma & Developmental Disabilities

Miriam Arond2025-04-01T14:06:04-04:00April 1st, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: mental health training, mental health course, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, developmental disabilities, Trauma, Nonprofit, Mental Health, Westchester|

In order to enable clinicians to better serve this unique client population, this course will: provide information on how trauma may present differently in the developmental disability population compared to neurotypicals, encourage participants to think critically about how traumatic experiences might be experienced through the lens of a person with developmental disabilities, and identify ways in which current evidence-based interventions for trauma could be adapted for this population of clients.

Client Alliance, Compliance & Therapist Burn Out

Miriam Arond2025-02-19T15:19:19-05:00February 10th, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: client alliance, compliance, therapist burn out, Mental Health, Behavioral Health|

Mental health professionals, perhaps now more than ever, are susceptible to stress and burn out directly related to their job responsibilities. Part of this comes from defining our professional selves based on what we are told our roles should be and what we should be able to accomplish rather than a realistic appraisal of situations and settings.

Maintaining Appropriate Professional Boundaries: Exploring Ethical Obligations of Mental Health Professionals (FOR WJCS STAFF ONLY)

Miriam Arond2025-02-04T13:48:44-05:00February 4th, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: professional boundaries, ed institute, Mental Health, Behavioral Health|

This course brings real-world context to ethical concerns often experienced by professionals in practice in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, including telehealth and social media domains. This course will provide a framework to contemplate ethical dilemmas and make informed decisions that insulate professionals from legal liability while protecting clients from harm.

Complicated Relationships: Case Studies in Boundaries (FOR WJCS STAFF ONLY)

Miriam Arond2025-02-04T13:31:27-05:00February 4th, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: relationships, professional boundaries, ed institute, Mental Health, Behavioral Health|

This course brings real-world context to ethical concerns often experienced by professionals in practice in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, including telehealth and social media domains. This course will provide a framework to contemplate ethical dilemmas and make informed decisions that insulate professionals from legal liability while protecting clients from harm.

Mental Health First Aid Training (WJCS Staff Only)

Miriam Arond2024-12-02T15:31:11-05:00November 18th, 2024|Categories: WJCS Staff Events|Tags: mental health first aid training, wjcs staff, Mental Health|

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. This training for WJCS staff will teach learners how to be a support to colleagues who may be struggling.

Cocaine and Other Stimulants: What Clinicians Need to Know

Miriam Arond2024-11-14T12:59:42-05:00November 14th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: cocaine, stimulants, what clinicians need to know, co-occurring disorders, ed institute, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use|

This training will provide an overview of these various substances comprising this category of drugs, their intoxication and withdrawal symptoms, and co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns. Participants will also gain an understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stimulant use, the clinical presentation of stimulant use disorders, and effective evidence-based treatment approaches to address stimulant use disorders.

Mental Health First Aid Training for Veterans, Military Service Members & Their Families

Miriam Arond2024-11-05T13:24:38-05:00November 5th, 2024|Tags: trainings, military service members, veterans, Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health|

Looking to learn more about how to support the wellbeing of military service members and veterans in your life? In partnership with SAMHSA, The City of Mount Vernon, VA Caregiver Support, and Mental Health First Aid USA, WJCS offers this FREE Mental Health First Aid Training.

Organizational Skills Training

Miriam Arond2025-11-04T11:12:50-05:00October 30th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: organizational skills training, ADHD, ed institute, time management, planning skills, organizational skills, OST, Mental Health|

Participants will learn about the essential components of OST and how to use the published treatment manual to address their clients’ organizational difficulties.

Gambling and Other Behavioral Addictions: What Clinicians Need to Know

Miriam Arond2024-10-16T16:50:12-04:00October 16th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: behavioral addictions, gambling, sex addiction, compulsive behavior, medication, drugs, addiction, clinicians, co-occurring disorder, ed institute, Mental Health, Substance Use|

Behavioral addictions include gambling, sex addiction, internet gaming disorder, shopping addiction and food addictions, however the DSM-5-TR only recognizes gambling and internet gaming addiction within this category.

Edythe Kurz Educational Institute Conference 2024

Miriam Arond2024-10-14T10:03:47-04:00October 9th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: kurz conference 2024, judy fink, dora kanellopoulos, wjcs ed institute, older adults, senior care, Geriatric Care, Mental Health|

Mental Health in Older Adults Unique Needs, Evolving Approaches

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Katy Wong2024-10-10T13:14:37-04:00October 8th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: Domestic Violence, Trauma, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Westchester|

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 ...

Novel Drugs of Abuse: What Clinicians Need to Know

Miriam Arond2024-09-18T16:03:34-04:00September 18th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: drugs, withdrawal, addiction, clinicians, co-occurring disorder, ed institute, Mental Health, Substance Use|

Novel drugs are synthetic illicit drugs sometimes referred to as designer drugs and are often sold as legal, safe, nondrug products, frequently escaping regulation, resulting in delays in professionals and legislators recognizing their use and impacts.

WJCS Initiates Zero Suicide Model with NYS Office of Mental Health
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WJCS Initiates Zero Suicide Model with NYS Office of Mental Health

Miriam Arond2024-09-09T15:22:37-04:00September 6th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: suicide prevention, suicide prevention awareness month, zero suicide, 988, trauma resources, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, Depression|

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 ...

Hoarding Disorder: What Clinicians Need to Know

Miriam Arond2024-08-30T14:33:31-04:00August 30th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: hoarding, hoarding disorder, psychotherapy, Mental Health|

It is estimated that 2%-6% of the population suffers from hoarding disorder. Across two sessions, this course will review the common mechanisms associated with the development of hoarding disorder as well as how to recognize, assess, and treat hoarding disorder. The course will also provide an overview of a newly developed eight-week specialty treatment program for hoarding disorder that can be effectively delivered both in office or via telehealth in standard length psychotherapy sessions.

Assessing and Treating Clients with Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Conditions

Miriam Arond2024-08-30T13:00:19-04:00August 30th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: co-occurring disorders, substance use treatment, ed institute, Mental Health, Substance Use|

This training will help providers to be more prepared for the challenges associated with providing treatment to such individuals. Providers will learn how to conduct an assessment of substance use, how to decide what level of treatment is appropriate for specific individuals, assess individuals’ readiness for change, apply evidenced-based approaches to increasing individuals’ motivation for change, assess the functional purposes and impacts of substance use, select and utilize appropriate treatments for individuals with co-occurring conditions, and help individuals reduce the impacts of relapse.

Hallucinogens: What Clinicians Need to Know

Miriam Arond2024-08-07T11:06:41-04:00August 7th, 2024|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: hallucinogens, psychedelic, LSD, Nicholas Batson, withdrawal, co-occurring disorders, clinicians, drug use, ed institute, Mental Health, Substance Use|

This session will provide an overview of various substances comprising the category of hallucinogens, their intoxication and withdrawal symptoms, and co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns.