For over a century, Catholic Charities has responded to the needs of New Yorkers with dignity and compassion, providing food, shelter, legal assistance, housing support, and more. But beneath all of this is a deeper truth: people cannot thrive without mental and emotional stability. And too often, mental health struggles go unnoticed or untreated. 

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May, reminds us of the importance of emotional well-being and reinforces the truth that mental health is health. At Catholic Charities New York, we honor this month as a vital call to care for ourselves and others. Taking time to breathe, to pray, to talk with someone, or simply to be still can be the first step toward healing. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. 

The Parish Counseling Network: A Path Towards Emotional Wellness (PCN) is a collaboration between Droste Mental Health Services, Inc., an affiliated agency in the Catholic Charities Federation, and Catholic Charities of New York. It offers compassionate support and guidance to help navigate life’s challenges through providing low-cost, short-term counseling for parishioners in need.  

Whether it’s short-term counseling or long-term therapy, Droste works to ensure that everyone, regardless of income or background, has access to the care they need. Droste offers several services for individuals who need them. This includes: 

• Individual counseling: PCN will provide you access to six counseling sessions at convenient locations throughout the Archdiocese of New York. Remote services are also available, but you must be physically located within New York State. There is a $10 co-pay for each session. 

• Couples/Family Counseling: PCN will provide you and your partner or family members access to six couples or family counseling sessions at convenient locations throughout the Archdiocese of New York. Remote services are also available, but you must be physically located within New York State. There is a $10 co-pay for each session. 

• Group Therapy: PCN provides open, drop-in support groups as well as closed groups that run for a specific period. Current groups include the Westchester Addiction Bereavement Support Group and the COVID LOSS Bereavement Support Group. Click the button below for more information on available groups. 

“People are often told that therapy is a luxury, or something they don’t deserve,” said Sarah Strole, Executive Director of Droste.

But mental health care is a human right. Everyone should have a safe place to process, grow, and heal.

The demand for mental health support continues to rise, especially among low-income individuals and families already facing housing insecurity, food instability, or trauma. Droste works to provide culturally sensitive, community-based care that meets people where they are. 

“We want to remove as many barriers as possible,” Strole added. “That means no long waitlists, no overwhelming forms, and no shame. Just real people helping others through real challenges.” 

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we urge New Yorkers to take stock of their emotional health and to seek help if needed, without fear or hesitation. Whether through professional therapy, spiritual reflection, or support from a trusted community, the path to well-being is not one you need to walk alone. 

Catholic Charities New York and its partners remain committed to building a stronger, healthier future for all. Because healing doesn’t happen in isolation, it begins with connection, understanding, and care. Because mental health is health, and every person deserves to feel whole. 

Your support allows Catholic Charities to continue partnering with agencies like Droste Mental Health Services to connect individuals and families with the care they need. This Mental Health Awareness Month, consider making a gift to help us reach more New Yorkers with dignity, compassion, and hope. Together, we can make emotional wellness more accessible to all.