You are reading

QBP Richards Announces $2 million in Free Mental Health Services for Queens

A national provider of virtual mental health therapy is working with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards to provide $2 million in services through community-based organizations in Queens. Richards made the announcement at Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities in Corona Tuesday (Photo: @QnsBPRichards)

Oct. 12, 2022 By Christian Murray

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced Tuesday that a national provider of online mental health services is partnering with 10 Queens-based organizations to offer $2 million in therapy services.

Richards made the announcement at Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities in Corona and noted that many residents are in need of help given the hardship caused by the pandemic.

“The past few years have been extremely difficult for all of us in Queens, as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and the crises around housing, an economic downturn, food insecurity, racial injustice and more. To all those struggling, you don’t have to struggle alone,” Richards said.

The services will be provided by BetterHelp, the nation’s leading virtual mental health therapy provider, with the 10 organizations receiving $175,000 in services to make available through their networks.

The remaining $250,000 in services will be distributed to residents at the discretion of the borough president’s office.

“Now, more than ever, we need to support one another. I couldn’t be prouder to partner with BetterHelp to bring its expertise and badly needed therapy services to Queens and the community-based organizations who uplift so many families every day,” Richards said.

The 10 community-based organizations that will receive the services cover the entire borough. The 10 recipients of the services are:

  • Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities in Corona
  • Forest Hills Jewish Center in Forest Hills
  • Glow Community Center in Flushing
  • Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association in Jackson Heights
  • LIFE Camp, Inc. in Jamaica
  • Rockaway Development and Revitalization Corporation in Far Rockaway
  • Sunnyside Community Services in Sunnyside
  • United Federation of Teachers
  • Urban Resource Institute
  • Urban Upbound in Long Island City

BetterHelp said that it aims to make its services accessible to all through the partnership.

“We’re incredibly honored to partner with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards to make mental health services more accessible to Queens residents and the community-based organizations that support them,” said BetterHelp President and Founder Alon Matas. “Our mission is to make therapy accessible to all, and this partnership is a big step in that direction for the Queens community.”

Many of the leaders of the community-based organizations said the partnership with BetterHelp comes at the right time.

“We are so pleased to have been chosen to participate in this initiative,” said Sunnyside Community Services Executive Director Judy Zangwill. “COVID-19 has profoundly affected the mental health wellness of the people in our communities, and we applaud Borough President Richards for taking this important step toward addressing the issue.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Mayor Adams marks one year of ‘Padlock to Protect’ with pizza and progress in Queens

Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five boroughs and seizing more than $95 million in illegal product since last May.

“The city was fed up. We heard it at every town hall. This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children,” Adams said. “One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide. Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families. But we’re not stopping there.”