As we round-out the holidays and welcome 2024, I recognize that this time of year can be especially difficult for those suffering with mental health issues. I want to take a moment to remind families that help is always available in our Department of Mental Health, including our Children’s Community Assistance, Response, and Engagement Team or Children’s CARE Team for short. 

The CARE Team is mobile and consists of a behavioral health worker as well as a family peer advocate who can meet a family at home, school, or elsewhere in the community. The team will work closely with a youth and their family to stabilize the situation, assist with follow-up, make appropriate referrals, and can stay involved with the family for up to eight weeks. 

They respond to help any individuals under the age of 21 experiencing non-life-threatening behavioral and/or emotional challenges 7 days a week, including holidays, from noon to 8 p.m.

Best of all this service is FREE and funded through Rockland County’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant with NO COST to local taxpayers. 

You can call 845-517-0400 to connect with the CARE Team.

We remind families that in Rockland we also have the Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT), which provides mobile behavioral health services and crisis intervention 24/7, 365 days a year to individuals, families, and agencies in Rockland. 

The team will respond to any mental health situation needing immediate intervention. This program is also free of charge to residents thanks to a grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health. 

Anyone needing mental health outreach services is encouraged to call the BHRT at 845-517-0400 or toll-free at 1-844-255-BHRT (2478).

Rockland has long been ahead of the curve at tending to our resident’s mental health, and we will continue to create programs that are free to use for our residents and offer a comprehensive response.

There is no shame in utilizing these services and working with these dedicated professionals to navigate any crisis you face.

I urge those who are enduring challenges this year to reach out because this administration is here to help.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.