Mental Health

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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, ...

Meaningful Friendships that Promote Mental Wellness

2026-07-14T15:57:37-04:00October 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, celebrated 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 of ...

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. ...

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

2026-09-01T11:39:06-04:00September 20th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Recent data shows that in the United States suicide rates are the highest they have been since World War II. According to the National Institute of Health, there were more than 47,000 suicides in 2019, twice the number of deaths caused by homicide. Self-violence is a problem we cannot ignore. Suicide affects people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. We all need to be prepared with information and resources to help someone who is exhibiting signs of despair, isolation, rage, pain, and suicidal thoughts. While there is no single cause for suicidal behavior, common risk factors include: Depression or ...

The DD Diagnoses and Community Mental Health

2026-03-05T18:29:55-05:00September 15th, 2023|Categories: , |Tags: , , , , , , , |

Almost all clinicians who are in a general practice setting either in the community, or a school or hospital are finding they need skills in recognizing developmental disorders and adapting treatment strategies to meet the needs of individuals who are either on the spectrum or have cognitive challenges. This course is designed to review the fundamental aspects of these diagnoses, including changes in the DSM 5-TR.

4 Steps to Cultivating Strong Parent-Child Bonds in the Digital Age

2023-08-31T14:04:05-04:00September 4th, 2023|Categories: General|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Electronic addiction is increasingly becoming an area of concern. A recent study conducted by the Center for Humane Technology found that people check their phones more than 150 times per day. Digital devices and distractions consume our time, influence our communication, affect our sleeping patterns, and impact our relationships and mood. The “ping” on our smartphone, alerting us to incoming texts, news flashes, and “likes” on our social media feeds, have become the background music of our lives. The effect on children who are growing up in such tech-focused environments is a matter worthy of attention by all parents. ...

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 ...

Theories & Practices to Support Clinicians Working with Grieving Clients

2025-12-04T18:01:54-05:00April 10th, 2023|Categories: , |Tags: , , , |

The current course aims to provide clinicians with a grounding in psychoeducation and theory behind grief responses in order to increase clinician confidence in working with clients who are experiencing bereavement. Additionally, this course will provide clinicians with examples of and hands-on practice with activities they can use in session to help support clients on their journey through grief and healing. At the close of each day of the course, space will be provided for clinicians to process their thoughts and feelings related to working with grieving clients in an effort to normalize conversation about death and dying and dispel some of the discomfort or concern about supporting grieving clients.

WJCS 80th Anniversary Gala: A Huge Success!

2023-04-20T10:25:58-04:00March 31st, 2023|Categories: Gala, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

WJCS Gala honorees Michele Brettschneider and William Shirley (right) with CEO Seth Diamond Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) welcomed 250+ guests to their 80th Anniversary Gala on March 28th. WJCS Board members Michele Brettschneider, a Scarsdale resident, and William Shirley, a longtime Larchmont resident, were honored at the Brae Burn Country Club event. The evening was especially celebratory as WJCS, now one of the largest human services organization in Westchester, is commemorating its 80th anniversary. "We were founded in 1943 as a small organization that served a few families who were struggling in Westchester. WJCS now has over 80 programs and ...

Please join us at our 2023 WJCS Gala!

2023-04-03T12:40:38-04:00January 13th, 2023|Categories: Gala, Featured Internal|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Our 2023 WJCS Gala will take place Tuesday, March 28th, from 6:30-9 pm at the Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, NY. We are thrilled to honor WJCS Board Members Michele Brettschneider and William Shirley, two remarkable individuals whose commitment to improving the lives of people struggling in Westchester is exemplary. Our 2023 Gala will feature our renowned Give for Good Auction and celebrate WJCS’s 80th Anniversary! It is because of our generous donors, supportive government officials, and dedicated staff and volunteers that WJCS has grown from a tiny agency in 1943 to a human service organization that serves ...

Client Alliance, Compliance and Therapist Burn Out

2022-12-01T09:47:28-05:00December 1st, 2022|Categories: , |Tags: |

Client Alliance, Compliance, and Therapist Burn Out Date: 12/13/22                                           Time: 9:00 – 11:00 Enrollment Limited to: 20              Contact Hours: 2                                  CEU’s: 2   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 ...

Words Have Power: Stand Up, Speak Out, and Make Change

2022-11-15T16:31:11-05:00October 25th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , |

At our Margaret’s Place-Joe Torre Safe At Home program, WJCS created, with the help of our youth Peer Leaders, a special campaign in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to spread the messages that our words have the power to support survivors of domestic violence, ask important questions, and reach out for help. WJCS Margaret’s Place is situated in White Plains High School, Peekskill Middle School, and Cross Hill Academy in Yonkers. It encourages education and conversation about healthy relationships as well as trauma, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Domestic Violence (DV), and counseling for trauma and DV-exposed youth. Cross Hill Academy ...

WJCS 2022 Gala: A Huge Success!

2022-06-08T11:58:26-04:00January 3rd, 2022|Categories: Gala, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

WJCS-Westchester Jewish Community Services hosted our annual Gala on April 5th, 2022 at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, New York. Attended by more than 200 philanthropic, community, and political leaders from throughout Westchester County, the evening marked a triumphant return to in-person events after two years of virtual galas. The money raised will provide much-needed funds for our agency's 80+ programs that serve 20,000 Westchester residents every year. "It was wonderful to have so many members of our community together to celebrate this year's honorees—New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and WJCS Board President ...

What We Stand For

2025-08-08T11:25:05-04:00January 3rd, 2022|Categories: Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Founded in 1943, Westchester Jewish Community Services has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit human service organizations in Westchester and the largest provider of licensed outpatient community mental health services in the county. Our values guide our work—the state-of-the-art programs and services we offer with compassion to more than 20,000 people of all ages and backgrounds throughout Westchester County. WJCS is driven by the spirit of “tikkun olam”–repairing the world. By providing care and support, we work to help Westchester residents of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling to heal, develop skills, build resilience, and lead their ...

WJCS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAININGS

2022-03-10T18:18:27-05:00December 28th, 2021|Categories: Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , |

The skyrocketing statistics for depression, anxiety, and suicide in the United States are frightening and necessitate that we do everything possible to increase knowledge and awareness about the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. WJCS is committed to this goal and conducts trainings in Mental Health First Aid to educate parents, teachers, coaches, camp staff, teens, first responders, case management workers, and others about how to recognize mental illness and get the appropriate help. Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training. There are three versions of the training, all of which WJCS offers: YOUTH MENTAL ...

Teen Mental Health First Aid

2022-02-18T15:27:16-05:00December 6th, 2021|Categories: General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

The statistics are staggering. One in five teens has had a serious mental health disorder at some point in their young lives. Fifty percent of all mental illnesses begin by age 14. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-24year-olds. WJCS is proud to offer training in Teen Mental Health First Aid, a nationally certified course which teaches high school students how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders among their friends and peers. It gives students the skills to have supportive conversations with their friends and get a responsible and ...

Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

2022-02-10T16:16:29-05:00December 4th, 2021|Categories: Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to seeking equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind watershed events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington, which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King's message is as vitally important now as it was when he lived. While we remember him on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—this year ...

ASSESSING AND TREATING CLIENTS WITH CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE CONDITIONS

2021-11-18T09:40:57-05:00November 18th, 2021|Categories: |Tags: , , , , , , |

Dates: 12/21/21 & 12/28/21      Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM                             Enrollment Limited To: 16            Contact Hrs:  4                        CEUs:  4 Clients seeking mental health treatment may also have a coexisting substance abuse problem.  This may be apparent at intake or emerge during treatment.  Symptoms of one disorder are often mistaken for the other.  Treatment of individuals who present with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues can present a myriad of challenges for providers.  Among the challenges faced by providers treating individuals with ...

The State of Mental Health in Westchester County

2022-01-07T16:12:24-05:00October 28th, 2021|Categories: Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , |

Miriam Arond, Director of Communications at WJCS, recently had the opportunity to sit down (via Zoom) with Michael Orth, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, to discuss the state of mental health in our county. The Commissioner addressed the: emotional and practical effects of the pandemic on residents in Westchester programs and services that have been developed to address the varied needs of our population—from first responders to clergy to local college students to people in under-resourced communities to the elderly importance of Mental Health First Aid trainings impact of  the pandemic on the workforce ...

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