Looking back at the past can sometimes feel daunting, especially when the memories that come to mind are not the happiest—when they involve challenges like health struggles, financial hardships, losing a loved one, or other stressful situations.
But what if, alongside those memories, we also embrace the successes—the small and big victories? What if we remember the people who helped us navigate life, sometimes without even realizing it, and others who purposefully worked to uplift us? Those who listened when we needed an ear, who offered words of encouragement, who shared resources that made a difference, even if only in small ways. The ones who helped us understand our emotions and reactions, who guided us through education to recognize our strength, leaving us with coping skills that could last a lifetime.
Doesn’t that shift the focus? Isn’t that a reason to look back?
With that in mind, allow me to reintroduce you to the Community Mental Health Promotion and Support Program (COMHPS) at Bleuler Psychotherapy Center.
We are a team of passionate paraprofessionals—six Community Wellness Specialists: Max Bushman, Nafiul Bahri, Ashley Ramos, Irma Ortiz, Liana Kambouris-Appawu, and Sandra Wong—led by me, Damaris Brito. Our mission is to establish, maintain, and improve both individual and community mental health and wellness through a range of services, including but not limited to brief individual and family crisis counseling, group supportive counseling, public education, and linkage to resources. COMHPS services are free for people of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural or religious backgrounds across New York City.
We take pride in carrying out Bleuler Psychotherapy Center’s mission of providing high-quality services and empowering those who need us most. That’s why, when I look back at 2024, my heart fills with joy as I see the tangible impact of our work:
- 6,257 individual encounter sessions, with 97% of assessments completed
- 127 family encounter sessions, serving 308 people
- 72% of those assessed received referrals to mental health and community resources
- 4% referred to food assistance, 6% for employment, and 16% for housing
- 297 group public education encounters, reaching 1,775 people
- 787 group supportive counseling sessions, providing support to 3,303 individuals
- 24,013 brief educational encounters
- 1,890 networking encounters
- 24,733 materials distributed
These numbers are more than just data points. They reflect the dedication and commitment of the COMHPS team to the communities we serve across all five boroughs of New York City.
From our partnerships with students and staff at Hillcrest High School, Samantha Smith Elementary School, Dutch Kills Elementary School, Elm Tree Elementary School, and North Star Residency Shelter, to the seniors and staff at Rain Tolentine Senior Center and New Lane Senior Center, to community members at the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, Villanova Food Pantry, Lincoln Hospital, and Jacobi Hospital. From our engagements with vendors and resource providers to every person we met while actively participating in wellness events, resource fairs, and virtual trainings, we have been present, building connections and supporting our communities.
Looking back at 2024, I see the strength of our team, the resilience of those we served, and the power of community.
Thank you, Team! ¡Vamos por más!
Damaris Brito is a Team Leader at Bleuler Psychotherapy Center, overseeing the Community Mental Health Promotion and Support Program (COMHPS). She previously led crisis counseling efforts with New York Project Hope and has over six years of experience in case management and mental health support. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she is passionate about empowering individuals through emotional support, resources, and psychoeducation.
