Our History

From humble beginnings.

At MCMH, our commitment to accessible behavioral health care has been unwavering over generations of change, as we have strived to provide compassionate care and innovative solutions to more and more people across our communities.

1962

Founding of MCMH

MCMH is established, providing accessible, high-quality mental health care to New Yorkers regardless of ability to pay. From its inception, MCMH is dedicated to serving individuals and families from all backgrounds, laying the foundation for decades of community-focused behavioral health services.

1970's

Expanding Access

MCMH joins Medicare and Medicaid programs, broadening services to older adults, people with disabilities, and underserved communities. This expansion ensures that vulnerable populations can receive essential mental health care, regardless of financial status, and marks a significant step in the Center’s mission to reduce barriers to treatment.

2001

Washington Heights Clinic Opens

MCMH responds to unmet needs by opening a clinic in the heart of Washington Heights. This new location quickly becomes the organization’s largest by volume, providing culturally responsive care and expanding MCMH’s reach to a diverse and growing community in Upper Manhattan.

2003

Substance Use Clinic Launch

A co-located Substance Use Clinic opens in Washington Heights, allowing MCMH to deliver harm reduction services, including support for families and significant others. This milestone enables the Center to address the full spectrum of behavioral health needs and become certified to work with those affected by addiction.

2018

School-Based Clinics Begin

MCMH partners with local elementary schools to provide on-site mental health services, increasing access for children and supporting collaboration with educators. The school-based clinics at PS 84 and PS 163 offer intervention and seamless support, ensuring children receive care when and where they need it most.

2025

CCBHC Certified

MCMH receives Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) accreditation, recognizing its commitment to delivering coordinated, comprehensive care. This national standard ensures access to integrated mental health, substance use, and primary care services for all, regardless of ability to pay, and affirms MCMH’s leadership in high-quality, whole-person care.

Our Mission

Everything we do at MCMH is driven by our values.

MCMH is dedicated to fostering the emotional well-being and resilience of our community through accessible, affordable, and culturally responsive behavioral health services. Rooted in our legacy of serving everyone in need, we are committed to providing compassionate, whole-person care that integrates all facets of a person's life.

Accessible

We remove barriers with flexible payment options, culturally-informed practices, and services designed to reach you and your community.

Culturally Aware

We provide culturally responsive care with multilingual services and staff who honor your unique background and beliefs.

Trauma-Informed

We prioritize physical and emotional safety, foster trust, respect your choices, and encourage active partnership in your care.

Whole-Person

We embrace holistic healing, recognizing the interconnected nature of your mental health, physical health, and social wellbeing.

Our History

60 Years of MCMH

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of MCMH over the past 60 years. This video delves into the pivotal moments and milestones that have shaped the organization, highlighting its unwavering commitment to accessible behavioral health care.

Our ETHOS

Whole Person Care

MCMH is dedicated to treating the whole person by addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health for long-lasting healing.

At Metropolitan Center for Mental Health, we believe that true wellness comes from caring for the whole person. We offer comprehensive, wrap-around support designed to address every aspect of your well-being.

As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we provide seamless access to a wide range of services, including mental health and substance use treatment, physical health screenings, crisis intervention, and ongoing case management. Our dedicated multidisciplinary team works collaboratively with you to develop a personalized care plan that supports your unique needs and goals.

Our approach extends beyond traditional therapy, connecting you with vital resources for housing, employment, and daily living, because we understand that life’s challenges are interconnected. Our supportive environment empowers you to build resilience, achieve greater independence, and thrive in all areas of life.

Your journey to wellness is our priority. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to take the first step and discover the benefits of whole-person, wrap-around care at MCMH.

Our Team

Our team is dedicated to serving our community.

Our team consists of licensed clinicians, medical providers and support service providers who bring a wealth of experience and empathy to their practice.They are passionate about providing personalized care and support to help you navigate life's challenges.

Leadership

Rob Basile, Psy.D.
CEO / Executive Director
Lisa Venning, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Alexa Kreisberg, MPH
Chief Strategy & Program Officer

Directors

Angel Fuentes
Director of Operations & IT Systems
Alba Adrila, LCSW
Director of Mental Health Services
Adria Rodriguez, MSW, Master CASAC
Director of Substance Use & Peer Services
Lisette Sanabria-Velasquez, Psy.D.
Director of Access & Intake
Yael Moskowitz, Psy.D.
Director of Integrated Care
Jonathan Lauter, MD
Medical Director
Carla Lewis-Peter, MPH
Director of Quality Assurance & Compliance
Kimrey Holmes, Psy.D.
Head of Clinical Student Training Program
Anastasia Altman, Psy.D.
Head of School-Based Clinic Program
Natasha Morales
Human Resources Manager

Coordinators

Milka Alcantara, LCSW
Intake Coordinator
Jasmine Chauca, LMSW
Patient Services Coordinator
Kenya Dominguez, LMHC
Mental Health Services Coordinator
Mariela Solis, LCSW
Access Coordinator
Jack Spencer, PMHNP-BC
Sr. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Board of Directors

Gene Yellin, LCSW
·
Board President
Linda Anderson, Ph.D.
Ruby Benjamin, Ed.D.
Gino Benza, LCSW
Sharlene Bird, Psy.D.
Josephine Diaz, Ph.D.
Teresa Goudie, LCSW
Gary Karlitz, CPA
Howard Katz, MBA
Beth Rabinove, LCSW
Rodman K. Reef
Justin Stern, JD
Karen Trokan, LCSW

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions.

Don't see your question here? Give us a call or send an email and we'll be happy to assist you.

Can you tell me about your clinic and what services you provide?

MCMH is a non-profit, behavioral health outpatient center that provides integrated, whole-person care for persons struggling with mental health and substance use issues. We have a long history in our communities (over 60 years!) and have deep relationships with schools, churches, pharmacies, local businesses and other healthcare facilities.

What insurances do you accept?

MCMH accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Child Health Plus and various commercial insurances. Please call us at 646-992-3357 (option 1) or send us a fax at 646-992-3357 to provide insurance information. We will run an eligibility check for you.

Where are you located?

MCMH has multiple locations in New York City, across communities in the northern part of Manhattan. All of our locations are easily accessible by public transportation, both subway and bus. We are open six days a week, including evenings and Saturday.