Mental Health Services, Resources & Support
Finding help can feel overwhelming. This guide makes it easier to get support – whether you need urgent crisis help now, are searching for an outpatient clinic near you, want peer-run groups, or need youth and family services across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Need Help Now?
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, confidential). If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Long Island Crisis Center — Live chat & counseling daily. Website
- Response Crisis Center (Suffolk) — 24/7 support & resources. Website
Note: Helpline hours and options can change. Check each site for the most current details.
Choosing the Right Support
Levels of Care
- Outpatient Therapy: Weekly/bi-weekly counseling; psychiatry for meds if available.
- Intensive Outpatient / Day Programs: Multiple sessions per week with group & individual therapy.
- Crisis Stabilization / Mobile Response: Short-term, rapid support to prevent hospitalization.
- Residential / Inpatient: 24/7 care when safety or stabilization requires it.
Smart Questions to Ask
- Do you take my insurance / Medicaid? Sliding scale?
- Do you offer telehealth, evenings, or weekend hours?
- What ages/populations do you serve? (e.g., teens, veterans)
- Typical wait time for the first appointment?
- What languages and accessibility options are available?
Long Island Resources Directory (Nassau & Suffolk)
This directory spotlights widely used providers and organizations. Always verify hours, insurance, and availability before visiting.
Clinics & Health Systems
| Name | Counties/Focus | Services | Phone / Web |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Service League (FSL) | Suffolk (multiple sites); some Nassau programs | Outpatient therapy & psychiatry, crisis services, family & youth, care coordination | fsl-li.org |
| Northwell Health Behavioral Health | Nassau & Suffolk | Hospital & outpatient behavioral health, specialty programs, telehealth | northwell.edu/psychiatry |
| Stony Brook Medicine Behavioral Health | Suffolk | Adult & child psychiatry, partial hospitalization, specialty clinics | stonybrookmedicine.edu |
| Catholic Health (Behavioral Health) | Nassau & Suffolk | Outpatient & inpatient behavioral health, SUD programs, integrated care | catholichealthli.org |
| Catholic Charities of Long Island | Primarily Suffolk; some Nassau | Community clinics, therapy, case management | catholiccharities.cc |
| EPIC Long Island | Nassau & Suffolk (select programs) | Behavioral health clinics, counseling, psychiatric services | epicli.org |
| North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Nassau | Child, teen & family therapy; school collaboration; crisis support | northshorechildguidance.org |
Peer-Run & Community Support
| Name | Focus | Services | Phone / Web |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands Across Long Island (HALI) | Peer-run mental health | Peer support, community outreach, training, advocacy | hali88.org |
| NAMI Queens/Nassau | Family & individual support | Free support groups, education, advocacy | namiqn.org |
| Association for Mental Health & Wellness (Suffolk) | Adults, veterans, peers | Helpline, peer services, programs for veterans | mhaw.org |
County, State & Coordinating Agencies
| Agency | Role | Key Programs / Notes | Phone / Web |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk County Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services | County coordination | Info on clinics, SPOA, ACT/FACT teams, crisis services | suffolkcountyny.gov |
| Nassau County Dept. of Human Services (Mental Health) | County coordination | Referrals, community providers, program information | nassaucountyny.gov |
| New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) | State policy & programs | Service directory, regulations, crisis resources | omh.ny.gov |
Therapists and Mental Health Centers
| Company | City | Address | Phone / Web |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart In Mind Psychotherapy | Melville | 68 S Service Rd #100, Melville, NY 11747 | heartinmindpsychotherapy.com |
| Long Island Counseling Services | Huntington | 152 E Main Street, Unit B Huntington, NY 11743 | longislandcounselingservices.com |
Self-Help & Wellness
- Prioritize sleep, regular meals, movement, and time outdoors.
- Limit alcohol and substances; consider support if cutting down is hard.
- Try brief daily practices (breathing, journaling, mindfulness).
- Stay connected—peers, family, community groups, or faith communities.
- Use crisis and peer resources while on a waitlist for therapy.
FAQs
What if I don’t have insurance?
Ask providers about Medicaid, financial assistance, or sliding-scale options. Community clinics and peer organizations can help you navigate coverage, referrals, and low-cost alternatives.
How much does therapy cost on Long Island?
Private-pay rates vary widely. Clinics that accept insurance or Medicaid typically charge standard co-pays; some offer sliding scales. Always confirm fees, benefits, and prior authorization with your insurer.
Is tele-mental health available?
Yes-most systems now offer virtual therapy or psychiatry. Ask about telehealth availability, especially if transportation or schedules are a barrier.
Where can teens or families get help?
Look for youth-focused providers (e.g., North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center) and ask your school for counseling resources or referrals. If there is immediate risk, contact 988 or 911.
Key Facts & Details
| Crisis Lifeline | Call/Text 988 (24/7). For immediate danger: 911. |
| Peer Support | HALI, NAMI Queens/Nassau, MHAW (Suffolk) offer free groups & education. |
| Major Systems | Northwell Health, Stony Brook Medicine, Catholic Health, Family Service League. |
| Youth Services | North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center (Nassau) and school-linked supports. |
| Costs & Access | Ask about insurance/Medicaid, sliding scale, telehealth, and wait-lists. |
| Keep This Handy | Bookmark this page and share with friends/family who may need it. |
Organizations can request a listing or update by emailing our editorial team with program name, contact info, services, and counties served.
Disclaimers
This guide is informational and not medical advice. Services and availability change frequently; verify details with each organization. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
