Nassau nonprofit expands services for victims of violence and abuse

The Safe Center, a victim service organization based in Bethpage, announced the addition of a new licensed mental health clinic as an expansion of its existing grant-funded services.

In a first for the nonprofit, the clinic will include an on-staff, licensed psychiatrist to address the increased demand for trauma-informed mental health services in the area.

The expansion is a welcome addition to a network that currently receives more referrals than it can serve. Mental health services are critical to the well-being of victims of trauma, domestic or interpersonal violence; in fact, studies have shown a causal link between trauma exposure and adverse health and mental health outcomes, including substance use, mental health issues, and an increased likelihood for chronic illness. 

“With the shifting service landscape on Long Island, it is critical that The Safe Center expands its capacity to serve victims and survivors,” Joshua Hanson, executive director of The Safe Center, said in a written statement. “Untreated and undertreated trauma only gets worse, and symptoms generalize and can worsen over time including avoidance, depression, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors in some cases.”

The new project is aimed at better serving victims seeking support from The Safe Center by connecting them with needed services more quickly, thanks to a more efficient assessment process. The establishment of the clinic also increases the organization’s capacity, allowing them to provide services based on need, rather than a first come, first served basis.

More information about The Safe Center is available at tscli.org.