The Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services is the local governmental unit responsible for the coordination and oversight of all community services to persons with alcohol and substance use disorders, mental illness, and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services is authorized under the New York State Mental Hygiene Law, and it functions in concert with New York State’s Office of Mental Health, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The scope of the Division's responsibilities include:
- Coordinate and oversee treatment services for mental health and substance use disorders, as well as those with mental, intellectual, or developmental disabilities in Suffolk County;
- Work with communities, consumers and other interested groups to improve services and to pursue program development that is consistent with the Suffolk County/New York State planning process;
- Establish procedures and implement programs either directly or through contracts with other agencies to serve people with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual or developmental disabilities;
- Evaluate those services to ensure that they comply with all pertinent regulations and appropriately serve their intended populations; and
- Provide education and training either directly or through contracts to increase awareness of mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual or developmental disabilities.