Westchester Reporter

Westchester County has commenced construction on a new Mental Health Safety Net Clinic in White Plains. The facility, located at 112 East Post Road, aims to address local demand for mental health services and reduce wait times for care across the county.

The Westchester County Legislature approved a $1 million bond act to fund the design and construction of the clinic. The facility will offer diagnostic evaluations, mental health treatment, and referrals in compliance with New York State Mental Hygiene Laws. It will be managed by the County’s Department of Community Mental Health.

County Executive Ken Jenkins stated: “Westchester has seen an increase in demand for mental health services and we will continue to meet that need with the opening of this clinic. It is exciting to have reached this point to break ground as I know of the great deal of effort that has gone into reaching this next step. The coordination between our Department of Community Mental Health and the State agencies to get approvals and permits, to hire staff to work in and oversee the operation of the Center, to design a facility that will be welcoming and accommodating, were vital actions to ensure success have all led us to where we are today.”

Michael Orth, Commissioner of the Department of Community Mental Health, expressed gratitude towards County Executive Jenkins and the Board of Legislators: “Thank you to County Executive Jenkins and the Board of Legislators for seeing this vision and meeting the need with funding this new facility. We know that those who face challenges to their mental health will soon have a place to come to seek help, to get treatment and find the resources they need to be on path to healing. It has been difficult to find facilities that can provide these services, usually resulting in individuals entering the emergency room of a hospital. Our hospital ERs are often overcrowded and are unable to provide ongoing care. Our new clinic will be able to better accommodate individual and their longer term needs.”

The construction is expected to conclude within several months, with a grand opening planned for June.