Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services NCDMH offers direct services & facilitates access to appropriate services & supports for Niagara We serve individuals ages 5 and older.

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) provides a broad range of services and supports to individuals with mental health, alcohol and substance use and intellectual disabilities / developmental disabilities concerns. We have two fully integrated clinics, located in Lockport and Niagara Falls, that offer mental health, alcohol and substance abuse and limited physical health services. We accept a variety of insurances including Medicaid and Medicare. In addition, we offer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Crisis Services to individuals in Niagara County. Phone Aides are available to provide a confidential resource through which individuals can receive referrals for services that are needed. ( Examples include; housing, counseling, substance abuse treatment, food pantries and other community resources). Callers can ask questions, share concerns, and receive assistance for themselves or someone they know who may be experiencing difficult life changes or challenges including mental illness and thoughts of self harm, suicide, or homicide. Some of the NCDMH community based services and supports in which Crisis Services facilitates access to include the following:

Adult Single Point of Access (ASPOA) Program: Serves Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill (SPMI) individuals who are Niagara County residents and may have difficulty accessing housing or care management services. If an individual does not have a serious persistent mental illness but is at risk and in need, the ASPOA committee will make recommendations to the individual for other appropriate services. ASPOA establishes an efficient and comprehensive single entry point for individuals into the service system while providing systems management. Consumers of services are able to enter the system more seamlessly, be served more appropriately, and gain more from the experience of being served by one or more of Niagara County’s agencies. All stakeholders (consumers, NCDMH, New York State Office of Mental Health, and contract agencies) have the opportunity to view themselves as partners in a collaborative system. Services that can be accessed through ASPOA include Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), care management, mental health housing, and other services such as Assisted Outpatient Treatment services, Crisis Services Coordination, Forensic Case Management, Hospital Diversion services, Healthy Aging Services, Peer Support services, Parole Reentry Program services, and Mobile Integration Team (MIT) services. Participation in ASPOA is voluntary. Care management is provided to consumers regardless of medical insurance coverage or type of coverage. Due to demand, some services may have a waiting list. Children's Single Point of Access (CSPOA): Serves Niagara County children and youth with serious emotional disabilities (SED). If a child does not have a serious emotional disability but is at risk and in need of help, the CSPOA Committee will make recommendations to the family for appropriate services. CSPOA establishes an efficient and comprehensive single-entry point for individuals into the service system while providing systems management. All stakeholders (consumers and their families, NCDMH, New York State Office of Mental Health, and contract agencies) have the opportunity to view themselves as partners in a collaborative system. CSPOA develops strategies to maintain children and youth in the community, assesses the strengths and needs of a child referred, and create a plan to link the child to the most appropriate services. A brief list of the services that can be accessed through CSPOA includes: Youth Assertive Community Treatment (YACT), Care Management, Community Crisis Intervention, Home and Community Based Services Waiver, Mobile Integration Team (MIT), Multisystemic Therapy (MST), In-Home Respite, Family Support, Children’s Mental Health Housing (Residential Treatment Facilities and Community Residences). Participation is voluntary. Participation in CSPOA is voluntary. Hospital Diversion Program services provide linkages to necessary services. Adults can utilize the Hospital Diversion Practitioner for supportive visits as well as linkages to community resources. The Practitioner will conduct an assessment and interview with the individual to determine needs and will further work with the individual to determine appropriate referrals. While the individual awaits contact with needed resources, the Practitioner will maintain contacts with the individual to provide counseling and help maintain mental and emotional stability. The Practitioner aims to assist the individual to safely remain in the community and avoid hospitalization. The Practitioner is available in the evenings to provide individuals with additional after-hour support, treatment linkages, and referrals. Visits on weekends and holidays can be made by appointment. For a full list of services offered through NCDMH, please visit the Services tab. NCDMH is the administrative division for Local Government and the Community Services Board for the execution of the local mental health, developmental disabilities, alcoholism and drug abuse service plans. The provision of services is furnished to Niagara County residents through a system of providers. Programs offered by the Department and each of the Contract Agencies of the service system. For more information on program services and contract agencies, please visit: https://www.niagaracounty.gov/departments/m-r/mental_health___substance_abuse/index.php

Funding Sources Include:
County of Niagara
NYS Office of Mental Health
NYS Office of Addictions Services & Supports
NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
U S Government

10/15/2025
10/13/2025

NCDMH, with the exception of Crisis Services 24-hour phone line at 716-285-3515, is closed today in observance of Columbus Day.

We're looking forward to this first joint event to engage in community conversations! We hope you can join us for our fi...
10/12/2025

We're looking forward to this first joint event to engage in community conversations! We hope you can join us for our first Common Grounds: Coffee with a Cop, Clinician, & Peer Advocate!

Come join the Niagara County Sheriff's Office and the Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services for coffee at Gypsy Kitchen on Tuesday, October 21st from 10:00am-11:00am. Join us and learn more about how law enforcement and county mental health & substance abuse services staff work together in the best interest of our communities.

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is partnering with the Western New York Departments of Community Servic...
09/11/2025

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is partnering with the Western New York Departments of Community Services to host in-person Community Engagement Sessions on Oct. 8-10, 2025. The 2023 Community Engagement Sessions took OMH across New York. Now, they are returning to share what they did with your feedback and hear more about your needs and your ideas! There will be sessions in Hornell, Rochester, Buffalo, and Ithaca.

The sessions are open to all community members! They especially want to hear from people who receive or have received mental health services, and people who have wanted to get services but haven’t. Children, youth, adults, older adults, and families are encouraged to attend. There will be breakout groups specifically for young people. If you are a peer or other mental health provider, advocate, or anyone else who works with groups or people who may be interested, please share this information with them!

Please register in advance by clicking on the location you’d like to attend below. The registration form has space to describe any accessibility needs you have. If you need ASL or other language interpretation, please register by Sept. 19 or reach out to feedbackoapss@omh.ny.gov as soon as possible.

Session Details:
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 9, 9-11 a.m.
Rochester Central Library, 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY, 14605
Hornell Community Arts Center, 58 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY, 14843

Thursday, Oct. 9, 6-8 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 10, 9-11 a.m.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY, 14203
Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St, Ithaca, NY, 14850

Register Here! https://tinyurl.com/nhf7avdv

Don't forget to join the Niagara County Su***de Prevention Coalition this week for virtual lunch & learns today through ...
09/08/2025

Don't forget to join the Niagara County Su***de Prevention Coalition this week for virtual lunch & learns today through Thursday and an in-person summit on Friday. It's not too late to register! ***deniagara

The Niagara County Su***de Prevention Coalition is exciting to offer the following activities in September, which is Su***de Prevention Month:

Niagara County Su***de Prevention Week!:
September 8 – Overdose Awareness & Su***de Prevention
Lunch & Learn Series - Overdose Awareness | VOSC
Register at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/lunch-learn-series-overdose-awareness

September 9 – Firearm Safety
Lunch & Learn Series - Overdose Awareness | VOSC
Register at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/lunch-learn-series-overdose-awareness

September 10 – Mental Health Awareness: Tackling Stigma -
Lunch & Learn Series - Mental Health Awareness & Stigma | VOSC
Register at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/lunch-learn-series-mental-health-awareness-stigma

September 11 – Su***de Prevention Training (90 Minutes)
Register at https://preventsu***deny-selfreg.administrateweblink.com/cart

In-Person Event: Stronger Together – Niagara County Su***de Prevention Summit
📅 Date: September 12, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM
📍 Location: 4124 Saunders Settlement Road
👉 Register for the Summit at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/stronger-together-niagara-county-su***de-prevention-summit

Soul Shop for Black Churches
📅 Date: September 17, from 8 AM to 4 PM
📍 Location: John A. Duke Senior Citizen Center, 1201 Hyde Park Boulevard,
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
👉 Soul Shop for Black Churches registration at https://secure.givelively.org/event/mental-health-association-in-niagara-county-inc/soul-shop-for-black-churches

 ***deniagara
09/03/2025

***deniagara

Niagara County Announces “You Matter!” Coffee Sleeve Campaign

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) Deputy Director Myrla Gibbons Doxey announced today the launch of the “You Matter!” Coffee Sleeve Campaign as one of several Su***de Prevention Month Activities organized by the Department in collaboration with the Niagara County Su***de Prevention Coalition (NCSPC).

This is the third year of partnering with local coffee shops, stops and convenience stores to distribute coffee sleeves with their hot beverages featuring:

• ☎️ Niagara County 24-Hour Crisis Line: (716) 285-3515
• ☎️ National 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
• 💬 Message: “You Matter!”
• QR Code directing the community to the Well Niagara app’s corresponding webpage to learn how to download the app or to utilize the site to find valuable information on local supports and resources.

“Raising visibility for crisis support can make a real difference,” said Laura Kelemen, NCDMH Director, “Engaging local businesses and the community as a whole in this effort shows people care and helps reduce stigma around the topic of mental health. This simple yet powerful initiative can help save a life!”

“Su***de prevention includes a range of activities” said Gibbons Doxey, “such as showing a kind gesture, to taking a moment to ask someone if they are alright and listening to them, to ensuring someone has their basic needs met, to picking up the phone and calling for emergency help when it’s needed. We can all play an active role in preventing su***de. This coffee sleeve campaign can help start a great conversation.”

The community can help Niagara County reach Zero Su***des by participating in this simple initiative and collectively making a positive impact in the lives of thousands in our community.

Almost 13,000 coffee sleeves have been distributed to the following participating businesses:
Alternative Grounds at 17 Main St., Middleport, NY
Craft Coffee House at 6612 Campbell Blvd, Pendleton, NY
Crosby’s Inc. at 1651 Quaker Rd, Barker, NY
Crosby’s Inc. at 7953 Rochester Rd., Gasport, NY
Crosby’s Inc. at 110 Telegraph Rd., Middleport, NY
Donut Kraze at 129 Main St., Tonawanda, NY
F-Bites at 310 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY
Freedom Church at 5676 Beattie Rd, Lockport, NY
Gypsy Kitchen, 5881 S. Transit Rd., Lockport, NY
Lockport Memorial Hospital at 6001 Shimer Dr., Lockport, NY
Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital at 5300 Military Rd., Lewiston, NY
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center at 621 Tenth St., Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Wheatfield School at 2292 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY
Orange Cat at 703 Center St., Lewiston, NY
Steamworks Coffee Roasters at 51 Canal St., Lockport, NY
Village Bake Shoppe at 417 Center St., Lewiston, NY

Why It Matters:
Su***de affects every community. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can experience suicidal thoughts, and although discussing this topic can be challenging, engaging in open and genuine conversations about su***de can enhance awareness and potentially save lives.

The NCSPC’s mission is to create and implement strategies for su***de prevention, intervention, and postvention through public education, enhanced access to services, and promoting awareness and support for our community members.

Data collected through the New York State Department of Health Connector shows the rate for su***de per 100,000 population in 2017-2019 for Niagara County was higher than several other NYS counties. Su***de affects individuals in Niagara County across age groups and genders and specifically impacts LGBTQ and rural communities.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the Niagara County Crisis Services 24-Hour phone line for free, confidential support, guidance, information, referral and interventions as needed at (716) 285-3515 or 988. There is Help; There Hope! Recovery is Possible.

NCDMH, with the exception of Crisis Services 24-hour phone line at (716) 285-3515, is closed today in observance of Labo...
09/01/2025

NCDMH, with the exception of Crisis Services 24-hour phone line at (716) 285-3515, is closed today in observance of Labor Day.

Check this out!
08/26/2025

Check this out!

Connect Niagara Bus Service to Waive Fares Weekdays from Sept. 2nd thru 12th

Connect Niagara – the bus service operated by the Niagara County Department of Public Works (DPW) – will allow all riders to ride for free weekdays from the day after Labor Day, Tuesday, September 2 through Friday, September 12 as part of an effort to introduce more people to the service.

“We believe that Connect Niagara is hidden gem in Niagara County’s transportation network and our hope is that this free trial period will entice more people to give it a try,” said Garret Meal, Commissioner of DPW. “Plus with SUNY Niagara and other colleges getting underway, waiving fares is a good way to introduce students to the service.”

Connect Niagara – formerly known as Rural Transportation – operates five different routes across Niagara County. Residents can catch the bus at one of the stops, call ahead for a pickup, or flag a bus down to hop on. Connect Niagara will deviate up to three quarters of mile for those who schedule ahead. The regular fare is $2.00 on route and $4.00 off route. To learn more about Connect Niagara and to view the bus schedule go to www.niagaracounty.gov/bus. To schedule a pickup, call (716) 282-8544.

Connect Niagara also offers free transfers to connecting routes and NFTA Metro.

“With our expanded routes and partnership with the NFTA, a rider can get pretty much anywhere in the Buffalo Niagara region for a very minimal cost,” said Meal. “If you have never been on a Connect Niagara bus, give it a try during this free period and see for yourself that this is a convenient and inexpensive way to get where you need to be,” said Meal.

08/22/2025

The Niagara County Su***de Prevention Coalition is exciting to offer the following activities in September, which is Su***de Prevention Month:

Niagara County Su***de Prevention Week!:
September 8 – Overdose Awareness & Su***de Prevention
Lunch & Learn Series - Overdose Awareness | VOSC
Register at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/lunch-learn-series-overdose-awareness

September 9 – Firearm Safety
Lunch & Learn Series - Overdose Awareness | VOSC
Register at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/lunch-learn-series-overdose-awareness

September 10 – Mental Health Awareness: Tackling Stigma -
Lunch & Learn Series - Mental Health Awareness & Stigma | VOSC
Register at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/lunch-learn-series-mental-health-awareness-stigma

September 11 – Su***de Prevention Training (90 Minutes)
Register at https://preventsu***deny-selfreg.administrateweblink.com/cart

In-Person Event: Stronger Together – Niagara County Su***de Prevention Summit
📅 Date: September 12, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM
📍 Location: 4124 Saunders Settlement Road
👉 Register for the Summit at https://www.vocwny.org/event-details/stronger-together-niagara-county-su***de-prevention-summit

Soul Shop for Black Churches
📅 Date: September 17, from 8 AM to 4 PM
📍 Location: John A. Duke Senior Citizen Center, 1201 Hyde Park Boulevard,
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
👉 Soul Shop for Black Churches registration at https://secure.givelively.org/event/mental-health-association-in-niagara-county-inc/soul-shop-for-black-churches

08/07/2025

Niagara County seeking applicants for Youth Funding

The Niagara County Youth Bureau, as the recipient of funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services related to Youth Development Programming, Youth Sports and Education Funding, Youth Team Sports and Runaway and Homeless Youth Funding, is now accepting grant applications. Funding for the new program year begins October 1, 2025 and runs through September 30, 2026.

Eligible Grantees: The following organizations are eligible to apply for funding through this RFP: not-for-profit including, but not limited to, secular and faith-based, organizations operating in Niagara County; Niagara County municipalities (towns/villages); and partnerships or consortia consisting of the foregoing. Proposers that have never received funding through the Niagara County Youth Bureau are encouraged to apply for funding in this application process.

Programming and/or services must be provided within Niagara County, with the exception of occasional trips outside of the County, with prior approval granted by the Niagara County Youth Bureau.

Interested organizations should reach out to the Niagara County Youth Bureau for the application and eligibility information. Applications are due August 29, 2025. Please email Benjamin.bunker@niagaracounty.com for information.

07/18/2025

The Press 3 option may be gone, but support is always available. Reach out to the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 through call, chat, or text. If you’d like dedicated support through an LGBTQIA+ affirming counselor, contact The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

Address

475 S. Transit Street
Lockport, NY
14094

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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Our Story

NCDMH is responsible for the planning, supervision, and coordination of services for individuals in Niagara County who experience mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual disabilities / developmental disabilities concerns.

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) provides a broad range of services and supports to individuals with mental health, substance abuse and intellectual disabilities / developmental disabilities concerns. We have two fully integrated clinics, located in Lockport and Niagara Falls, that offer mental health, substance abuse and physical health services. We accept a variety of insurances including Medicaid and Medicare. In addition, we offer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Crisis Services to individuals in Niagara County. Phone Aides are available to provide a confidential resource through which individuals can receive referrals for services that are needed. ( Examples include; housing, counseling, substance abuse treatment, food pantries and other community resources). Callers can ask questions, share concerns, and receive assistance for themselves or someone they know who may be experiencing difficult life changes or challenges including mental illness and thoughts of self harm, su***de, or homicide. Some of the NCDMH community based services and supports in which Crisis Services facilitates access to include the following: Adult Single Point of Access (ASPOA) Program: Serves Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill (SPMI) individuals who are Niagara County residents and may have difficulty accessing housing or care management services. If an individual does not have a serious persistent mental illness but is at risk and in need, the ASPOA committee will make recommendations to the individual for other appropriate services. ASPOA establishes an efficient and comprehensive single entry point for individuals into the service system while providing systems management. Consumers of services are able to enter the system more seamlessly, be served more appropriately, and gain more from the experience of being served by one or more of Niagara County’s agencies. All stakeholders (consumers, NCDMH, New York State Office of Mental Health, and contract agencies) have the opportunity to view themselves as partners in a collaborative system. Services that can be accessed through ASPOA include care management, mental health housing, and other services such as Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) services, Crisis Services Coordination, Forensic Case Management, Hospital Diversion services, Healthy Aging Services, Community Mental Health Nurse services, Peer Support services, Parole Reentry Program services, and Mobile Integration Team (MIT) services. Participation in ASPOA is voluntary. Care management is provided to consumers regardless of medical insurance coverage or type of coverage. Due to demand, some services may have a waiting list. Children's Single Point of Access (CSPOA): Serves Niagara County children and youth with serious emotional disabilities (SED). If a child does not have a serious emotional disability but is at risk and in need of help, the CSPOA Committee will make recommendations to the family for appropriate services. CSPOA establishes an efficient and comprehensive single entry point for individuals into the service system while providing systems management. Consumers of services are able to enter the system more seamlessly, be served more appropriately, and gain more from the experience of being served by one or more of Niagara County’s agencies. All stakeholders (consumers and their families, NCDMH, New York State Office of Mental Health, and contract agencies) have the opportunity to view themselves as partners in a collaborative system. CSPOA develops strategies to maintain children and youth in the community, assesses the strengths and needs of a child referred, and create a plan to link the child to the most appropriate services. A brief list of the services that can be accessed through CSPOA includes: Care Management, Community Crisis Intervention, Home and Community Based Services Waiver, Mobile Integration Team(MIT), Multisystemic Therapy (MST), In-Home Respite, Family Support, Children’s Mental Health Housing (Residential Treatment Facilities and Community Residences). Participation is voluntary. Participation in CSPOA is voluntary. Care management is provided to consumers regardless of medical insurance coverage or type of coverage. Due to demand, some services may have a waiting list. Hospital Diversion Program services provide linkages to necessary services. Adults can utilize the Hospital Diversion Practitioner for supportive visits as well as linkages to community resources. The Practitioner will conduct an assessment and interview with the individual to determine needs and will further work with the individual to determine appropriate referrals. While the individual awaits contact with needed resources, the Practitioner will maintain contacts with the individual to provide counseling, and help maintain mental and emotional stability. The Practitioner aims to assist the individual to safely remain in the community and avoid hospitalization. The Practitioner is available in the evenings to provide individuals with additional after-hour support, treatment linkages, and referrals. Visits on weekends and holidays can be made by appointment. For a full list of services offered through NCDMH, please visit the Services tab. NCDMH is the administrative division for Local Government and the Community Services Board for the ex*****on of the local mental health, developmental disabilities, alcoholism and drug abuse service plans. The provision of services are furnished to Niagara County residents through a system of providers. Programs offered by the Department and each of the Contract Agencies of the service system. For more information on program services and contract agencies, please visit: http://www.niagaracounty.com/Departments/Mental-Health-Services-Substance-Abuse-Services Funding Sources Include: County of Niagara NYS Office of Mental Health NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities U S Government