Northwell Expands Behavioral Health for Kids in Westchester

For Dr. Vera Feuer, the mission is personal. As Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Northwell Health, she has spent nearly two decades passionately working to close the gap between kids in crisis and the care they need. Today, she’s bringing that care directly to communities in Westchester County, at a time when the need has never been more urgent.

The suicide rate for school-age children has surged by more than 50% since 2000, according to the CDC. But suicide is just the visible tip of a much deeper mental health crisis. For every youth suicide, the CDC estimates there are 10 emergency room visits for self-harm, 48 suicide attempts, and 325 young people who seriously consider suicide each year.

Led by Dr. Feuer, Northwell Behavioral Health at Mount Kisco opened in July 2025. At this new location, Northwell’s new pediatric behavioral health initiative takes a twofold approach: a partnership with local school districts to increase access to behavioral and mental health care for children, and outpatient care. The model builds on Northwell’s success on Long Island, where similar programs have led to a reduction in pediatric mental health-related emergency room visits.

“When kids and families have a trusted place to turn — outside the ER — they use it,” says Dr. Feuer. “And that can change everything.”

Meeting Students Where They Are

Through the Northwell School Mental Health Partnership, participating schools in Westchester can now connect students with behavioral health support. The dedicated behavioral health center at Northwell Behavorial Health at Mount Kisco provides crisis assessments, short-term therapy, and follow-up care for students who need urgent help, but don’t require emergency room services.

The program goes beyond crisis care. Northwell offers real-time consultations to schools, peer advocacy programs, staff training, and parent education — all of which are designed to promote prevention and early intervention.

“Our goal is to catch challenges early, support the whole school community, and step in quickly when things escalate,” Dr. Feuer explains.

Ongoing Care in Mount Kisco

In addition to the school partnership, Northwell Behavioral Health at Mount Kisco will provide therapy, medication management, and long-term support to young people aged 5 to 21.

This location will be open to all — regardless of whether a child attends a participating school — and thanks to strong donor support, the practice will accept all major insurance plans. It’s a rare but vital commitment that helps break down financial barriers and ensures families don’t have to travel for the care they need.

“Some families need more than short-term support,” says Dr. Feuer. “This practice offers that next step — ongoing, compassionate care, close to home.”

Located near Northern Westchester Hospital, the practice also gives families access to Northwell’s broader network of pediatric and behavioral health experts. The care team includes highly trained child psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and support staff with deep expertise in youth mental health.

Built by and for the Community

Westchester hasn’t always had dedicated behavioral health services for children. That’s changing, thanks to Northwell’s vision and a community that’s stepped up to make it happen. The program is already drawing widespread support from school leaders and generous local donors.

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Feuer says. “Every community has its own story, and our job is to listen, adapt, and keep showing up where we’re needed.”

Because for Northwell, behavioral health isn’t just about treating illness — it’s about helping kids thrive by providing extraordinary care for Westchester.

To learn more, visit northwell.edu