New Yorkers in Behavioral Health

 

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. 

Cover page of the Listening & Feedback Tour Report for Peer Support Workers and Community Health Workers. The top half of the image features a deep blue gradient background with white and light-gray text that reads: “Peer Support Workers and Community Health Workers Listening & Feedback Tour Report” The lower portion shows a vibrant, candid photo of a large, diverse group of people seated at round tables, actively participating in a community event. Some are clapping, while others are smiling or engaged in discussion. Tables are covered with green tablecloths and scattered with notebooks, paper cups, and informational materials. On the back wall, posters and colorful visuals are partially visible. Cover of the Listening & Feedback Tour Report from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health. Text over a photo of a diverse group of attendees applauding at a community event. Subtitle: Peer Support Workers and Community Health Workers.
Flyer titled “Listening & Feedback Tour Executive Summary: Peer Support Workers and Community Health Workers,” published by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health. The flyer summarizes the outcomes of a citywide Listening and Feedback Tour conducted with over 155 Peer Support Workers (PSWs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs) from 27 organizations. Key sections include: Introduction: Describes the purpose of the tour—gathering insight to address workforce challenges, define role expectations, and improve work environments for PSWs and CHWs. Key Findings: PSWs and CHWs want more training to build new skills and grow professionally. Participants also emphasized the need for better pay, stronger supervision, and increased recognition to reduce turnover and improve recruitment. Recommendations: Actions proposed to support workforce growth include: Enhancing job supports and career growth opportunities for both PSWs and CHWs Creating supportive policies and career advancement programs specifically for PSWs Developing role supports and continuous learning opportunities specifically for CHWs The bottom right includes a QR code with the caption: “To read the full report, scan the QR code.”
 

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 people talking in a sunlit room, seated near a window with a potted plant. One gestures while speaking and the other smiles and listens.
 

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.

Illustrated promotional graphic for a Career Blog featuring the tagline: “New Yorkers in Behavioral Health Share Their Stories.” At the top, large bold blue text reads “CAREER BLOG” on a textured light gray background. Below the title is a colorful illustration of a diverse group of people with varying skin tones, styles, body types, and expressions. They appear joyful and empowered, many raising their arms or waving. Their clothing ranges from sweaters and jackets to hijabs and graphic tees, representing a wide cross-section of New Yorkers. At the bottom of the image, a bold blue banner contains the subheading in all caps: “NEW YORKERS IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SHARE THEIR STORIES.”
A testimonial-style graphic on a light blue textured background. At the top, bold black text reads: CAMILLE YOUTH ADVOCACY SPECIALIST Below is a white text quote from Camille describing their career journey: “In high school, I interned as a peer advocate with children and teens receiving behavioral health care. Later, I transitioned to working in residential facilities. The creation of the Youth Peer Advocate Credential was a significant milestone, and I was among the first to become credentialed. Over time, my passion shifted from direct work to supporting and creating opportunities for others in the field.” At the bottom of the image, black text reads: GOVERNMENT • YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION Career story from Camille, a Youth Advocacy Specialist in government youth services. Camille began as a high school intern in behavioral health, earned a Youth Peer Advocate Credential, and now works to support and create opportunities for others in the field.
Career story graphic on a textured plum-purple background. At the top, large black text reads: NATALIE ASSOC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CREATIVE ART THERAPIST Beneath is a white text testimonial: “I worked in an intensive prevention program for adolescents as a Case Planner and then in a hospital setting as a Creative Arts Therapist. While facilitating groups with an arts and technology nonprofit, I was able to support the planning and implementation of new programs. I found my passion for leadership and got promoted to management positions and finally my current role.” At the bottom, bold black text highlights the field and focus: NON-PROFIT • ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP; ART THERAPY Natalie, an Associate Executive Director and Creative Art Therapist, shares how her early work as a case planner and arts therapist led to leadership roles in nonprofit program development and organizational management.
Career story graphic on a textured light green background. At the top, bold black text reads: KARA DEPUTY DIRECTOR Below, in white text, Kara shares her story: “I come from an immigrant family and was a first-generation college student. Before I went to college, I was living in public housing. Money was always a concern, and I didn’t know how I’d pay for school. Fortunately, there were scholarships, grants, and FAFSA, which supported me throughout my Bachelor’s program. I’m now pursuing my Master’s in Public Health with a specialization in Violence.” At the bottom, bold black text states: NON-PROFIT • INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE PREVENTION Kara, a Deputy Director in intimate partner violence prevention, shares how she overcame housing and financial challenges as a first-gen college student. With support from scholarships and FAFSA, she completed her bachelor’s degree and is now pursuing a Master’s in Public Health.
A career profile graphic on a textured burnt-orange background. At the top, bold black text reads: JOSEPHINE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER & CERTIFIED RECOVERY COACH Below, in white text, Josephine shares: “My career journey has been marked by empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I have supported individuals facing various behavioral health challenges, such as addiction, depression, anxiety, and trauma. My commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration ensures that I am equipped to provide the best possible support to those in need.” At the bottom, in bold black text: HOSPITAL • BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHW AND CRPA Josephine, a Community Health Worker and Certified Recovery Coach, supports people with behavioral health challenges like addiction, trauma, and depression. She emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and lifelong learning in her hospital-based work.
A career spotlight graphic on a textured goldenrod background. At the top, large black bold text reads: DAN PROGRAM DIRECTOR & LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER Below, in white text, Dan shares: “I’m an artist myself, and for the last 20 years or so, I have made art on lunch breaks, between home visits, and at home. Working now for an arts-focused nonprofit is a great opportunity to merge the scientific benefits of making art, and finding meaning and aspiration in life, with mental health. I utilize my artistic experience to communicate to the young people involved in our programming.” At the bottom, bold black text reads: NON-PROFIT • YOUTH PROGRAMS AND IMPACT EVALUATION Dan, a Program Director and Licensed Social Worker, combines his lifelong passion for art with his work in youth mental health. At an arts-focused nonprofit, he uses creativity to connect with young people and lead impact-driven programs.