The Ulster County Department of Mental Health and the Community Services Board are inviting residents to participate in upcoming public input sessions to help shape the future of behavioral health services in the county.

In partnership with the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), the county is conducting a Behavioral Health Needs Assessment to identify local challenges, service gaps, and solutions for improving mental health, substance use disorder, and intellectual and developmental disability services.

Community listening sessions will be held both in-person and virtually. The first in-person session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pine Street Family Health Center Community Room, 140 Pine St., in Kingston. A virtual session will follow on Monday, March 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Spanish interpretation will be available at both events. Residents are encouraged to RSVP at bit.ly/UCMentalHealth.

County officials say public participation is critical to ensuring the needs assessment reflects real community concerns. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the growing demand for mental health services and the importance of community input.

“The success of this effort depends on input from the community, and I encourage residents to sign up for one of the listening sessions and share your insights and experiences,” Metzger said.

Ulster County Department of Mental Health Commissioner Tara McDonald said the assessment aims to create a more accessible and effective behavioral health system.

“Our community deserves a behavioral health system that is accessible, effective, and equitable,” McDonald said. “This assessment will help us identify challenges, close service gaps, and build a stronger system of care.”

The Behavioral Health Needs Assessment will evaluate existing services, workforce capacity, and barriers to access, particularly for underserved populations. It will also consider the impact of social factors such as trauma, racial inequity, housing, and poverty. Findings will help shape a five-year action plan to improve policies, funding strategies, and service delivery.

For more information, to RSVP for a listening session, or to participate in an interview, visit Participate Ulster or contact ulsterstudy@hsri.org.