Behavioral Health
Latest Behavioral Health News
How to Talk About Suicide—and Potentially Save a Life
September 14, 2026–September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness and supporting meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. To mark this important occasion, Catherine Schaefer, Vice President, Quality, Provider Services, moderated a discussion with two VNS Health colleagues who bring decades of experience in suicide prevention: Jeri Goodman, Associate Director, Social Work Services, and Deirdre DeLeo, Director, Behavioral Health Programs. In their conversation, posted below, they discuss why talking about suicide matters, how to approach someone we’re concerned about, and the role all of us can play in creating a culture of connection and support. Catherine: Why is it so important that we talk openly about suicide? Jeri: Simply put, talking about suicide helps save lives. We want everybody to feel more comfortable talking about mental health struggles, and we want to de-stigmatize saying, “I need help and getting help.” There’s a
Compassion Is in Our DNA. Read the Latest Team Members in the Media!
August 17, 2026–There’s no summer slump at VNS Health! June and July stories in the news showcased our widespread impact on communities across the New York City area and across New York State. From clinicians going above and beyond for their patients, to expertise and care that helps keep local communities safe, these stories make it clear that compassion is in our organization’s DNA. Read more below! Team members featured in recent news stories include: VNS Health Named a “Top Healthcare Organization in New York” City & State named VNS Health as one of the Top Healthcare Organizations in New York in a new special feature. VNS Health was recognized for our impact on care delivery, health policy, and the economy. The profile highlights our integrated care model, top state and federal quality ratings, and ongoing investments in AI, behavioral health access, age-friendly care, and workforce development. Read more on Frontline here.
Going the Extra Mile to Help Behavioral Health Reach More Bronx Children
August 17, 2026–A new 15-person passenger van is helping our Behavioral Health team address a practical challenge facing some Bronx children and their families: getting to the VNS Health programs and services they need. The van will support the STEPS Afterschool and Summer Program, part of VNS Health’s Children and Family Support Programs, as well as our Promise Zone program. These programs provide a range of important after-school and summer services for at-risk youngsters, including psychotherapy, crisis intervention, case management, mental health skills training and connections to community resources. The need for transportation came into focus late last fall, when longtime VNS Health Board member Carl Pforzheimer joined a group of fellow Board members for a visit to our Bronx Behavioral Health Clinic on East 153rd Street. During the tour, the group learned more about how the clinic supports children and teens experiencing mental and emotional health challenges. They also heard about
Catch This Entertaining Video, Featuring Our Amazing Summer Interns!
August 5, 2026–In this upbeat video created by Communications team interns Demi Ajibola and Sophia Fleischer, you’ll hear from many of our 50 summer interns on their experience at VNS Health and what it means to them! Click here below to watch this engaging video! Thank you to all our amazing interns!
Watch Our New Video: “Quick Check-In with Dan”
July 27, 2026–In this new video, join CEO Dan Savitt for a quick “Check In” where he’ll share a few thoughts on where we are as an organization and where we’re headed. With a special focus on Behavioral Health. To watch, click here below! Your Voice Is Important! Have questions or comments? Please send your questions and/or comments to: [email protected]
Street-Smart Tips for Staying Cool When the Temp Hits 90+!
July 13, 2026–Here we go again: The forecast for today and the next couple of days is for temps in the 90s! How do you stay cool when it gets so hot, especially when you’re out in the street? We put this question to our field team members who provide care in all kinds of weather, day in and day out, to our patients, members and clients in across New York City, Westchester and Long Island. Here are a few street-smart tips for staying cool from our team members out in the community… Freeze water in a water bottle “I freeze water in a water bottle overnight. I also like to add lemon or cucumber in the water to give it a little taste. I’ll also wear a light-colored t-shirt when I’m outside and then put on my VNS Health-branded top when I arrive at the client’s home.” Lenis McGarrell-ChangleeHome Health Aide,
BH Nurse Marie Tisi Speaks to the Importance of Community Health in The BK Reader
July 1, 2026–
VNS Health Marches in Pride Celebrations in the Bronx and Manhattan
June 30, 2026–Team members from across the organization were joined by family and friends as they marched to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and celebrate Pride in the Bronx on Saturday, June 20th and in Manhattan on Sunday, June 28. See the photos here below! Bronx Borough President & LGBTQIA+ Task Force Pride March Saturday, June 20 Manhattan Heritage of Pride March Sunday, June 28
“Leadership Unlocked” Graduates Third Cohort of Leaders
June 24, 2026–The third cohort of Leadership Unlocked held its graduation on Tuesday, June 16th. The day marked the successful completion of the 15-week leadership development program. Throughout the program, 15 Vice Presidents and Directors from across the organization deepened their leadership capabilities through interactive learning experiences, coaching, assessments, VNS Health site visits, and internal networking opportunities. The cohort’s final capstone presentations focused on how their understanding of one VNS Health has changed as a result of being in this program, and how they, as leaders, can help move our organization forward. See the photos below! Congratulations to our third cohort graduates: Olga Akturk, Risikat Amolegbe, Ted Barszewski, Brady Brelinski, Lauren Caralyus, Tom Cocozza, Elizer Cooper-Audain, Kyle Crawford, Lissette Felix, Scott Gale, Jody Lee, Chantal Louisma, Grace McGhee, Tazia Myers, and Lynna Paulino-Reyes!