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Community Resources

Hunger 

  • Feeding Westchester: There is a Feeding Westchester location 1 mile from the NYMC campus: 200 Clearbrook Rd. Elmsford, NY 10523

 Locate a Community Mental Health Provider 

Find a psychologist - Produced by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, this site will help you find a local therapist by area of expertise, ages of patients served, the therapist's theoretical orientation, and other credentials.

Find a therapist - Produced by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this site will help you find a local therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and related disorders.

  • Reach out to us, we are also glad to help you locate a community provider.

  • For confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information, call 1-800-662-4357

Mental Health Providers - Tell Me More

Mental health providers are professionals who diagnose mental health conditions and provide treatment.  Finding the right mental health provider is based not only on their qualifications but other individual factors, such as finding a style that is a good fit and suits your specific needs.

For some, finding support can feel challenging, especially if you are not sure what you need or where to begin. At NYMC, we have several types of providers available to you and we encourage you to reach out to us at the Department of Student Mental Health and Wellness Services (SMH&WS). However, we understand you may prefer to seek help elsewhere. Here are some things to consider as you navigate your search in the community. 

Ask yourself “Who am I looking for”?

People seek help for many reasons. Are you looking for medication? Are you mainly looking to talk to someone? Many people seeking help will have more than one health care professional, and will need a combination. Not sure? Feel free to reach out to us using our Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness Email to discuss.

Define what type of mental health professional to see:

Skilled mental health professionals will have knowledge of the range of treatment options, and what is within their area of expertise.

Types of Mental Health Professionals: (read on for more detailed information)

How do I find a provider?

  • We encourage you to consider utilizing your health insurance. Visit the carrier’s website to search their online behavioral health directory. Keep in mind the information listed often changes and may require calling or emailing the provider directly to confirm they (still) accept that insurance.
  • Most insurance companies allow you to search by location, professional degree and/or a specific condition such as eating disorder, or depression.
  • Alternatively, you can ask a trusted professional that you already know, and ask for a referral based on the needs you defined above.
  • Ask a friend or family member. Friends and family know you well and sometimes are aware of your struggles. It may be helpful to ask a friend or family member to ask their therapists for names of other therapists that they know and have worked with.
  • Ask us at our Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness Email 

What if I prefer not to use my insurance?

There are several community mental health clinics and reputable training institutes that offer free, low-cost or fees based on a sliding-scale. SMH&WS can offer referrals to community providers.

Contacting Your Prospective Therapists:

Sometimes finding the right fit will involve meeting a few professionals until you have the right one, so don’t hesitate to call and meet a few people. The most important piece is finding someone you connect with, and feel comfortable sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings. 

Tips to Keep in mind:

  • Go old school, and call each of the people on your shortlist of therapists. This call is important for two reasons:
    1. Take note of how you feel when speaking to this person
    2. It’s an opportunity to ask questions you may have and see how they respond to what is important to you.
  • Research- Ask what type of therapy they offer, what is their area of expertise, and confirm they are licensed in your state.
  • 5 Tips for Finding the Right Therapist - PsychCentral
  • How to Find the Right Therapist – NY Times

Locate a Provider