Behavioral Health Workforce - Career Stories

Meet New Yorkers shaping the behavioral health workforce and hear their career stories. Discover their career paths and lived experiences in supporting community mental health across NYC! Read the Peer Support Workers (PSWs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs) Listening and Feedback Tour Report and 1 page overview. This report provides an overview of the Listening and Feedback Tour process, featuring direct quotes and feedback from both PSWs and CHWs. 
Photo of Peer Support Workers and Community Health Workers gathered during the Listening and Feedback Tour, alongside a graphic summary of key findings.
Infographic titled “Listening & Feedback Tour Executive Summary” from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health. It summarizes findings from Peer Support Workers and Community Health Workers, highlighting training needs, job supports, and recommendations to strengthen NYC’s behavioral health workforce.
 

2024 Global Peer Support Day!

At OCMH, we’re grateful for the insight and advocacy of two incredible peers on our team— Dr. Nivea Jackson, Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives, and Yumiko Ikuta, Director of Mental Health Access.

Please enjoy reading their reflections on why the role of peer support is so significant.

Two colleagues sitting and talking in a bright office space, representing peer support and collaboration in behavioral health.
 

Share your story!

Many people’s career journeys are not linear and involve pauses, career changes, and other experiences of navigating life both personally and professionally. If you’d like, share your own career journey to potentially be featured on our website.

Illustration of diverse New Yorkers raising their hands together, representing unity and community in behavioral health careers. Text reads “Career Blog – New Yorkers in Behavioral Health Share Their Stories.”
Graphic with teal background highlighting Camille’s story about beginning as a youth peer advocate and advancing to a government role supporting young people in behavioral health.
Graphic with purple background featuring Natalie’s story about combining creative arts therapy with leadership in behavioral health nonprofit management.
Graphic with green background featuring Kara’s story about her journey from public housing and first-generation college student to Deputy Director in intimate partner violence prevention.
Graphic with orange background showing Josephine’s story of compassion and her journey to becoming a certified recovery coach supporting people through addiction and trauma.
Graphic with yellow-orange background highlighting Dan’s story about integrating art, mental health, and youth engagement in his nonprofit leadership role.