Therapists in Mount Vernon, NY and Nearby Locations

An Overview of Mental Health in Mount Vernon, New York

Mount Vernon, a town of over 71,000 inhabitants, has had its share of famous residents. Nowadays, it’s more well-known as one of the best-kept secrets in Westchester County. With easy access to two Metro North lines and the New York City subway system, residents here can enjoy the best of urban and suburban life. The city is fairly diverse, and the median age is shifting a bit as former Brooklynites and Manhattanites finally give up on those steep rents in favor of more livable and affordable housing. The city also has multiple parks and row after row of gorgeous historic houses.

Life in Mount Vernon can be relatively peaceful. However, the city does face some specific challenges.

• Crime: Some residents report that crime is not as bad as the city’s reputation would lead one to think, but the violent crime rate in Mount Vernon is approximately twice that of New York state. It’s not unusual for residents to experience fear or anxiety in higher crime areas.
• Career Pressures: Mount Vernon is more low-key than Manhattan, but many residents work in the fast-paced and high-pressured city. These residents may face intense career pressures which could leave them susceptible to stress, anxiety, or burnout. Working with a mental health professional can help one develop tools to manage these situations.
• Long Commutes: Every minute spent commuting is a minute not spent with family or friends. This daily requirement, which can be longer than an hour every day for some residents, may lead to stress as well.
• Substance Abuse: A Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for Westchester County indicated that interventions are needed to help address the opioid overdose epidemic and other substance abuse issues. Anyone affected by the harmful effects of the disease of addiction may benefit from mental health treatment as well.
• Obesity: The CHNA also indicated that obesity among children and adults is a top health concern in the County. Obesity is often a precursor to other health difficulties.
• Chronic Illnesses: The Westchester area is also committed to improving services for those suffering from chronic illnesses. Anyone managing an illness or caregiving for someone who is sick may want to pursue mental health services as well.

The Challenge of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Mount Vernon

The main barriers to accessing mental health services in Mount Vernon are likely to be based on stigma and financial resources. The stigma around mental health is gradually changing, with people becoming more willing to seek the support they need.

14.8% of residents live in poverty and 11.3% do not have insurance. These individuals may find mental health services to be cost-prohibitive. When money is tight, health care, especially mental health care, is often a low priority.

Recognizing the importance of mental health services for underserved populations, many alternative forms of therapy are emerging, including the following solutions.

• Free or sliding scale services based on income
• Free support groups and helplines
• Campaigns to reduce stigma
• Mobile or online therapy

Mental Health Resources in Mount Vernon

Statewide, New York has decent access to mental health care. In a national ranking of Access to Care, New York came in at #11, meaning it provides its residents with more access to insurance and treatment. The Mount Vernon area is served by numerous licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and certified alcohol and substance abuse counselors, many with more than 10 years of experience.

These professionals have experience with children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health, substance abuse treatment, healthcare systems, and residential school environments. They have helped patients learn to deal with and recover from stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, identity formation issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, anger management, depression, drug abuse, co-dependency, eating disorders, grief, and more. Their treatment draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and self-compassion strategies. The therapists take time to get to know their patients, so they can develop a treatment plan that best meets their needs.