What does this measure?

The number of visits to mental health clinics during the week of a state survey, expressed as a rate per 1,000 residents. Visits may be made by residents of other counties, as the data are reported by the location of the clinic.

Why is this important?

Mental illness can decrease one's ability to function in daily life and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Effective treatment and support services can help individuals improve and recover from mental illnesses.

How is Orange County performing?

There were 4.1 mental health clinic visits per 1,000 residents in Orange in 2015, compared to 5.6 in the state (excluding NYC). Orange consisently had lower rates of mental health clinic visits than other counties in the region and the state (excluding NYC) since 2001. In 2015, Orange had the lowest rate of mental health clinic visits in the region, below Dutchess (6.2) and Ulster (5.2).

Notes about the data

Data come from the NYS Office of Mental Health's Patient Characteristics Survey, which is completed during one week every two years. A statewide decline of 6,000 patients (or about 3.5%) from 2005 to 2007 could be due to a shift in survey method from paper-based to Web-based, as some providers had difficulty making the transition. All agencies that receive state funding take part in the survey.