Make a Referral

Use this page to request services for yourself, a family member, or someone you support. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and referral process. Program staff will review the information submitted and contact you about next steps.

Not Sure Where to Begin?

Facing something big or small? Call 311 within Orange County or 1-800-832-1200 anytime. Local counselors are available 24/7 to provide support, information, referrals, and connections to local services. For suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call 988.

Mental Health and Recovery

• Care Coordination Care Coordination helps individuals with chronic medical, mental health, substance use, developmental disability, or housing-related needs coordinate care, access benefits, and connect with community resources. Medicaid eligibility requirements may apply, and limited non-Medicaid openings may be available. Submit a Care Coordination Referral.
• CORE Services CORE provides community-based recovery support to adults age 21 and older who have active Medicaid Managed Care and are enrolled in or eligible for HARP. If the person has a therapist or mental health provider, that provider should complete the required LPHA form. If not, an MHAOC LPHA can complete it as part of the referral process. Submit a CORE Services Referral.
• Social Care Network Social Care Network connects eligible Medicaid Managed Care members with assistance for health-related social needs, including food, housing, transportation, and care management. Services are available to eligible residents of Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties. Submit a Social Care Network Referral.

Family and Peer Support

• Family Support Program and Groups Family Support provides peer support, advocacy, education, and connections to resources for families and caregivers of adults with serious mental health challenges and children with emotional, behavioral, or social needs. Support groups meet on the first Wednesday of each month in person from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and on the third Wednesday virtually from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Submit a Family Support Referral.
• Youth Healing & Resilience Group This confidential group supports youth ages 12 through 17 who are coping with the traumatic loss of someone important to them. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost, and this is not group therapy. Contact Sean Gerow About Joining.
• First Responder Trauma Support Group This confidential peer group supports fire, EMS, law enforcement, dispatchers, corrections, emergency communications, and ER or healthcare first responders affected by traumatic stress. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost, and no documentation is required. Contact Sean Gerow About Joining.

Social Connection

• Compeer Compeer connects adults living with mental health challenges with trained volunteers who provide friendship, regular contact, and opportunities for community connection. A psychosocial evaluation completed within the past five years is required for enrollment. Submit a Compeer Referral.
• Friends Program Friends is a social skills group for youth ages 8 through 17, or students in grades 3 through 12, who have social, behavioral, or emotional challenges. Participants build social skills, confidence, and meaningful friendships through structured group activities. Submit a Friends Program Application.
• Hudson House Hudson House provides socialization, skill-building, and supportive activities for adults with psychiatric disabilities. The program is located in New Windsor and is open to eligible participants throughout Orange County. A psychosocial evaluation completed within the past five years is required for enrollment. Submit a Hudson House Referral.
• Social Club Social Club offers recreational activities and opportunities for adults with mental health challenges to build relationships, practice social skills, and reduce isolation.  A psychosocial evaluation completed within the past five years is required for enrollment. Submit a Social Club Referral.

Developmental Disability Supports

• Developmental Disability Family Support Families can request help with OPWDD eligibility, reimbursement programs, respite reimbursement, family support, and other developmental disability services. This form can also be used when a family is unsure which program may best meet its needs. Submit a Developmental Disability Family Support Referral.
• CAPIS Crisis Assessment Prevention Intervention Services provides free, short-term crisis prevention and behavioral support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Services may include consultation with a behavior specialist, family guidance, help understanding and managing challenging behaviors, and connections to additional resources. Submit a CAPIS Referral.
• OPWDD Family Support and Resource Group This virtual group helps families understand and navigate OPWDD services. Participants can ask questions, share experiences, learn from other families, and build a supportive network. The group meets on the first Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Register for the OPWDD Family Support and Resource Group.
• ASSIST ASSIST is a social skills group for Orange County children ages 5 through 10 who are OPWDD eligible. A Special Education Teacher leads structured activities that help participants develop communication, confidence, and social skills. Apply for ASSIST.
• Blue Renaissance Blue Renaissance is a peer-led social skills group for adults age 18 and older on the autism spectrum. Participants practice social skills, build friendships, and increase confidence through monthly community activities. Submit a Blue Renaissance Referral.
• Super Siblings Super Siblings provides a supportive space for siblings ages 5 through 21 who have a brother or sister with a developmental disability. Participants connect with others, express their feelings, and take part in creative activities and discussions. Submit a Super Siblings Referral.
• Article 17-A Guardianship The Guardianship Program helps Orange County families navigate the Article 17-A guardianship process for children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A $300 fee covers assistance for the first 12 months. Additional assistance after that period is available for $75. Submit a Guardianship Request.

Housing Programs

All MHAOC housing programs receive referrals through Orange County Adult Single Point of Access, including Community-Based Housing, Home-to-Stay, and Invisible Children’s Project. MHAOC cannot accept direct housing referrals through this page. Access the Orange County Adult SPOA Application.

Vocational Services

MHAOC vocational services help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Referrals must begin with ACCES-VR. Once eligible, ask your ACCES-VR counselor about connecting with MHAOC. Apply for ACCES-VR Services.

Veterans and Military Families

• Vet2Vet Vet2Vet provides peer support, community activities, advocacy, and connections to resources for veterans and their families. Participants are connected with another veteran who understands military service and the transition to civilian life. Request Support from Vet2Vet.
• Onward Ops: Military Transition Support Onward Ops is a no-cost transition program for currently serving Service Members and Veterans within 90 days of separation, including Reserve and National Guard members. Participants receive planning tools, personalized resources, and the option to connect with a trained sponsor as they prepare for civilian life. Enroll in Onward Ops.

Sexual Assault Support and Advocacy

Sexual Assault Prevention and Advocacy provides confidential support, advocacy, information, and referrals to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. For non-urgent support or to have an advocate contact you, submit a SAPA request. For immediate support, call 311 within Orange County or 1-800-832-1200.

Outreach and Education Requests

MHAOC provides community outreach, presentations, educational programs, and participation at local events. Schools, organizations, businesses, and community groups can request staff participation or education on a specific topic. Submit an Outreach or Education Request.

What Happens After a Referral?

Program staff will review the information submitted and contact the person identified on the form. Response times, eligibility requirements, and program availability vary. Submitting a referral does not guarantee eligibility or enrollment.

For questions about a referral or MHAOC services, call 845-342-2400.