FAQs

Yes! Anybody — regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, religion, language, etc. — can access services at VCS. You may not be eligible for all services, but anyone is welcome to call or come to our office to see what services they may be able to access.

At VCS, a clinician is assigned to you after you complete your intake appointment. During your intake session, you will be asked to specify the times you are available for regular sessions and any preferences you have for a clinician (gender identity, age, etc.). We do our best to match clients to a clinician that best fits their needs.

Yes, VCS provides dedicated services for older adults as part of its community programs. These services are free for clients and fully funded by Rockland County’s Office for the Aging.

Community services include wellness coaching, student advocacy, services for older adults, support groups, parenting programs, and a court-ordered domestic violence education and rehabilitation program specifically for men.

The mental health clinic provides individualized treatment tailored to the needs of each person. Clients typically meet with their clinician once per week, but can meet more/less frequently depending on the need. Clients can also meet with and receive medication from our psychiatrist or nurse practitioner, and many also participate in other services like our support groups and peer support sessions.

The Community Services division offers a variety of non-clinical support programs, such as:

• Wellness Coaching: Helps individuals improve habits and emotional understanding.
• Parenting Programs: Includes educational programs for men and women, and a specific program for separating parents.
• Support Groups: Such as programs for relatives raising children and a women’s support group.
• Services for Older Adults: Provides counseling and support groups for caregivers.
• Domestic Violence Program for Men: A specialized program addressing domestic violence.
• Beth Kipperman Student Advocacy Program: Offers educational advocacy for students encountering difficulties in obtaining special education services.

This division includes:

• Mental Health Clinic: Provides psychotherapy, medication management, peer support, and specialized skill-focused groups for individuals aged 10 and older.
• Graduate Student Internship Program: Offers practical experience for graduate students in social work, mental health counseling, and marriage & family therapy.

VCS organizes its services into two primary divisions:

• Clinical Services & Workforce Development: This division focuses on therapeutic and professional training programs.
• Community Services: This division provides non-clinical support and educational programs for the community.

VCS empowers people through compassionate, culturally sensitive counseling and clinical services that are accessible and affordable; fostering hope, and a healthier, more resilient community.

The VCS vision is to expand our reach, share our expertise, and strengthen partnerships to deliver the support people need to thrive; to champion the premise that mental healthcare is healthcare, ensuring equitable access to quality services for all.