Also read our Guide of Resources for Immigrants
A list of organizations that provide free or low-cost mental health care services to immigrants in New York
It can be overwhelming to find mental health care services, so Documented compiled a list of organizations and groups that offer low cost options, accept Medicaid, or render free services to individuals who are seeking counseling.
Most of these locations provide services in English and Spanish. We recommend reaching out to the location for more information, as some of the prices for services given are based on the level of income. For emergencies always call 911.
You can also contact NYC Well for free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health, and substance misuse support, information, and referral. You can reach the toll-free helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text and online chat. Mental health professionals there can link you to the services you need. Phone: 888-692-9355 | (Espanol): 888-692-9355
Adelphi University: The Center for Psychological Services: Mental health clinic providing children, adolescents, and adults with psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and support services. Main: (516) 877-4820 | 75 Varick Street New York, NY 10013. Link
American Red Cross in NY State: The American Red Cross across the regions of New York State have developed a program in response to COVID-19 to support individuals and families who have lost family members.
Intake forms: Spanish | English. Phone: 585-957-8187
Catholic Charities: Behavioral Health Centers: The Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Centers offer clients round-the-clock crisis care – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They help stabilize and treat in the most clinically appropriate and cost-effective settings, while also offering the least restrictive and traumatizing environment. Link
91-14 37th Avenue Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Crisis Services/Mental Health: Crisis Respite Centers: Crisis Respite Center provides an alternative to hospitalization for people experiencing emotional crises. They provide home-like places to rest and recover when more support is needed than can be provided at home. Click on the link for all available locations. Link
Crisis Services/Mental Health Mobile Crisis Teams: A mobile crisis team is a group of health professionals, such as nurses, social workers and psychiatrists, who can provide mental health services, primarily in people’s homes. You can request help from a mobile crisis team if you are concerned about a family member, friend, or acquaintance who is experiencing (or at risk of) a psychological crisis. You can also request a team for yourself. You can request a team by calling NYC Well. Link – Phone: 888-692-9355
Grand St. Settlement: Caseworkers and social workers that provide from self-care strategies to accessing insurance. 80 Pitt Street, New York, NY 10002 | P: 212-674-1740 | E: info@grandsettlement.org
Healthy Brain Network: A community-based research program offering children ages 5-21 free mental health and learning evaluations, as well as referrals to local clinicians and other services. Link – Phone Main: (212) 308-3118 | Hotline: (347) 694-4357 – Address 286 Malcolm X Blvd. New York, NY 10027
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness, NYC Chapter: An active NYC chapter sponsors a Parent-Match program, support groups for parents of children with special needs and many additional programs that are free or low-cost. Link – NAMI NYC Helpline: 212-684-3264
New York State – Emotional Support Helpline: The Emotional Support Helpline provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Helpline is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. Voice Phone 1-844-863-9314
NYC Health + Hospitals: Through the program NYC Care, hospitals inside the NYC H+H network offer low-cost or free medical services (including mental health care) to NYC residents, regardless of employment, status or health record. Phone: 1-545-692-2273 – link. Also, See their partner organizations
NYS Psychiatric Institute: Hispanic Treatment Program: Psychiatric research and treatment center providing Hispanic adults (ages 18+) who have depression, anxiety disorders and/or gambling addiction with a variety of services, which may include free outpatient psychiatric treatment or medication management. Main: (646) 774-7000 | Address: 1051 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10032
NYPCC, Mental Health Service: New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC) is a non-profit, community-oriented mental health organization, licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health. We provide exceptional services to children, adolescents and adults throughout the NYC area. Check the link above for locations in the Bronx, and Brooklyn. Click here to ask for help.
Queens College : Queens College Psychological Center (QCPC): Center providing individuals with psychological services related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, immigration, and more; services are provided by trained graduate students earning their Doctoral degree in Psychology under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Phone: (718) 570-0500 | 65-21 Main Street, Queens College, CUNY, Flushing, NY 11367 – Link
SBH Behavioral Health (Bronx) – Adult Outpatient Clinic: Outpatient mental health clinic providing adults (ages 18+) with individual, family and group psychotherapy, and medication management. Main number: (718) 960-3071 | 2021 Grand Concourse, 8th Floor. Bronx, NY 10453 – Link
St. Joseph’s Medical Center: St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester: Outpatient Mental Health Service provides psychiatric care for children, adolescents, adults and seniors at a clinic level of care. Services include psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy (individual, group, couples and family). Main: (914) 967-6500 | 275 North Street Harrison NY, 10528 – Link
Voces Latinas: Voces Latinas offers screening for depression and trauma and onsite mental health counseling. The staff is trained to provide the screenings for depression and trauma, Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation. These mental health modalities are embedded into our case management work with clients. They say that they offer to connect clients to outside mental health clinics that can offer more intense mental health therapies including psychiatric services. Link – (718) 593- 4528 | 3763C 83rd St # 1B, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Text or Call 988 to reach counselors who can help to cope with mental stress during an emergency, and help connect to with local crisis teams.
Digital Mental Health Care Access For Immigrants
Another way to maintain your mental health is through the use of digital applications that offer meditation, mindfulness and relaxation guidance. Here is a list of free applications that you can use right at this moment:
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide: Provides information on depression, and strategies on how to manage the symptoms. Only available on Google smartphones.
HeadSpace: Through a partnership with NY, HeadSpace offers free meditation recordings that range from guided relaxation to storytelling to help you sleep during these unprecedented times. It’s easy to use.
Mind Shift: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based strategies targeting anxiety. CBT is a technique which emphasizes changing negative thought patterns and focusing instead on present-day challenges. Self-management tools focused on mindfulness, relaxation, thought reframing and action to help the user take charge of their anxiety. Developed for teens, applicable to all.
Smiling Mind: Free meditation App.
Also Read: How to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension
