Greater Mental Health Youth Care Comes to Rockland

Greater Mental Health of New York is proud to announce the  launch of the first Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Youth ACT) team in Rockland County, building  on the proven success of the behavioral health organization’s Westchester program. This expansion reflects Greater Mental Health’s commitment to providing intensive, community-based mental health  services to children and youth ages 10 to 21 who are at risk of entering or returning from high-intensity  care settings, such as inpatient or residential programs.  

“We are proud to strengthen our menu of services in Rockland County and build upon our commitment  to children and youth,” said Chief Executive Officer Stacey Roberts, LCSW. “As we approach the 80th anniversary of Greater Mental Health, we continue to expand the services we offer for school-aged children, one of our original populations for which we were founded to serve in 1946. Decades later, we remain just as dedicated to serving young people in our community, helping them build resilience so  they can live fulfilling lives.”  

The Youth ACT model is designed to help young people remain in their homes, schools, and  communities while receiving the support they need. Greater Mental Health’s Westchester Youth ACT team has engaged more than 50 youth since its launch in 2022, fostering the resilience of participants while supporting families through mental health challenges. Through a multidisciplinary team approach, Youth ACT delivers highly individualized care that includes:  

∙ A dedicated team of nine professionals, including a team leader, a prescriber, licensed mental  health clinicians, clinical support staff, a program assistant, a youth peer advocate, and a family  peer advocate. Team members meet clients at least twice weekly.  

∙ Mobile, community-based services provided in homes, at school, or in other community settings  where youth and families can best engage. Prescriber evaluations, assessments, and medication management are also provided as mobile services with the family at home, allowing the youth  to feel most comfortable.  

∙ Personalized treatment plans that are developed collaboratively with the youth enrolled and  their families.  

“Youth ACT in Rockland is a critical addition to the continuum of services we provide for youth in our  region,” said Senior Vice President of Children’s Services, Deirdre Sferrazza, LMSW. “We are proud to bring the innovative Youth ACT model to Rockland County, ensuring more young people have access to the care  they need close to home.”  

Referrals for Youth ACT services are made through Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPOA). For more  information about the Rockland Youth ACT team or any services at Greater Mental Health, please  connect with a team member in Rockland by calling 845-267-2172, ext. 296 or in Westchester by calling 914-345-0700, ext. 7303.  

Youth ACT Rockland joins a robust roster of Greater Mental Health programs and services delivered in  community locations. To learn more about the community-based care and clinic services provided, visit  greatermentalhealth.org/services-support/.