In recent times, there have been positive shifts in societal attitudes toward psychology and psychiatry. Previously, seeing a therapist was often equated with being “crazy” or having serious mental problems. It was a topic that wasn’t openly discussed in society. Today, the approach to mental health is more mindful and serious, and people are taking better care of their psycho-emotional well-being. Today, we’ll highlight a place where Bronx residents can do just that. Read on at bronxanka.
Mission and Values
The New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC) is a non-profit organization licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health. NYPCC was founded in 1974, starting as a small clinic in Queens that served fewer than 100 patients. Today, the network spans the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, providing mental health services to over 25,000 individuals annually. Here are some more statistics from across the entire NYPCC network:
- 12,053 children are served at NYPCC’s mental health centers;
- 747 people received housing assistance through the “Gateway to Wellness” program;
- 1,490 parents attended workshops on mindful parenting and child-rearing fundamentals;
- 362 individuals received a Mental Health First Aid NY certification;
- 1,117 social workers attended masterclasses and seminars on various socio-psychological topics;
- 4,300 people received valuable information on maintaining mental health at themed events organized by NYPCC.
The organization’s primary mission is to provide access to psychiatric and psychological care and to improve the quality of life for New York residents. NYPCC specialists work with individuals facing behavioral and emotional challenges of a psychological nature. Everyone has the right to quality treatment, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status.
The NYPCC branch in the Bronx is located on Cortlandt Avenue, easily accessible by both private and public transportation from anywhere in the borough.
The center is open seven days a week with extended hours to make it easier for people to visit after school or work. On weekdays, clients are seen from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on weekends, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The NYPCC staff consists of highly qualified professionals, including certified psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and art therapists who use modern treatment methods. Nearly all staff members are bilingual, culturally competent, and sensitive to client needs, which is essential for building positive therapeutic relationships. Remote online consultations are also available.
Core Programs and Services
The New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center in the Bronx offers a variety of services aimed at helping clients become more active, productive members of society and happier in their personal lives.
All services are available for people of all ages and are adapted to their individual needs. Key areas include:
- Crisis intervention;
- Individual and family psychotherapy;
- Psychiatric evaluations;
- Medication management;
- Play therapy;
- Art therapy;
- Care coordination for adults.
The center utilizes modern, evidence-based practices and protocols. Innovative treatment methods include Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Desensitization, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices, among others.
NYPCC works with a wide range of disorders, including:
- ADHD;
- Anxiety disorders;
- Stress;
- Bipolar disorder;
- Psychological trauma;
- Depression;
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD);
- Psychosis;
- Schizophrenia;
- Eating disorders;
- Panic attacks;
- Sleep problems;
- Substance use;
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
To ensure effective and professional treatment using the latest technologies and methodologies, the center’s staff continuously engage in professional development at the NYPCC Academy, where they enhance their skills by learning the newest treatment methods.
Social Projects
In addition to standard medical programs, NYPCC implements many different targeted programs and social initiatives. One of these is a care management program called “Gateway to Wellness.” It’s based on the understanding that mental health treatment often extends beyond a medical facility and touches every aspect of daily life. As part of this program, each participant is assigned a care coordinator who is responsible for their medical services, monitors their condition, and ensures access to necessary health support services. The coordinator helps clients apply for and receive relevant social benefits and provides medical and advisory support. If needed, they also assist clients with employment or educational pursuits. Another part of the “Gateway to Wellness” project is helping clients obtain social housing.
To participate in this program, individuals must be Medicaid beneficiaries, over 21 years of age, and meet one of the following criteria: have HIV/AIDS, two or more chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease), a substance use disorder, or a serious mental illness.
Another social initiative NYPCC is actively involved in is a collaboration with three residential facilities for people with mental illnesses. NYPCC staff help patients preparing for discharge to adapt to independent community living. Some patients spend months or even years in medical facilities. When their condition stabilizes and they are ready for independent living, they are discharged. However, adapting to new realities can be quite difficult for these individuals. NYPCC specialists, in partnership with the New York State Department of Health, assist them in their rehabilitation and recovery, facilitating their return to life outside hospital walls. By applying evidence-based practices, they help clients understand their mental illness, manage symptoms, and develop the skills needed to reintegrate into society.
Community and Public Engagement
The NYPCC team is also actively involved in community life. To combat the stigma surrounding mental health and inform people about available resources, NYPCC specialists conduct educational programs in schools, healthcare facilities, and various organizations. NYPCC also participates in health fairs and other community events.
Social connections are as vital to human beings as food and water. Their absence can lead to serious health problems, including an increased risk of depression and anxiety. In the post-pandemic era, strengthening social ties is a priority for improving individual and community health. During the pandemic, NYPCC created a discussion group called the “NYPCC Parent CAFÉ” to engage people in conversation and provide advice on stress management and resource sharing. This initiative has continued since the major lockdown, with periodic presentations on mental health topics. Bullying is a complex issue that negatively affects emotional and mental well-being. In 2018, NYPCC became the first organization to create an anti-bullying coalition in the Bronx. In partnership with other organizations, NYPCC implements anti-bullying prevention measures, conducts training for schools and youth organizations, and creates forums for parents on prevention and intervention.
NYPCC also offers training on preventing professional burnout, managing workplace anxiety, and suicide awareness.