29-05-2025
Oneida County launches new mental health app
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced on Thursday that the county has launched a new phone app to help residents with their mental health.
Picente announced on during his State of The County address that the county's Department of Mental Health has launched the OC C.A.R.E.S. app on Thursday, May 29. The app — whose initialism stands for Community Access to Resources, Education, and Services — will serve as a fast and efficient way to provide residents with resources to help with mental health and addiction problems.
'Oneida County is committed to providing access to vital mental health and substance use resources to our residents,' Picente said in a statement. 'The OC C.A.R.E.S. app will support our mission of utilizing innovative strategies to create meaningful, positive impacts. The goal is to not only create a one-stop shop for all things mental health, but to also share the message that Oneida County cares about our community and is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need.'
The C.A.R.E.S. app will offer quick access to several features, including suicide prevention and other mental and physical health services. The app also provides strategies for maintaining your mental health, as well as services and providers for several crises that may arise. The app will also notify you of updates and events that may be available to you, such as open appointments for specific services.
The app was created in conjunction with the Oneida County System of Care Resource Guide for 2025 and is aimed at improving the lives of people in crisis.
'The development of this application has allowed us to bring together a wealth of information and create a comprehensive directory of providers to our community,' said Commissioner of Mental Health and Director of Community Services Ashlee Thompson. 'Our department is dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and updating of the app to ensure that all resources, information, and services are accurate and accessible. We truly believe that this app will allow the residents of Oneida County to more effectively and efficiently access support.'
The app also provides information on the following:
Crisis Services
Health and Wellness
Suicide Prevention
Naloxone/Harm Reduction
Services & Providers
Mental Health Strategies
Safety Plans
Self-Screeners
Career-Specific Support
Interactive Maps
Push Notifications
The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play. Those interested should search for 'OC C.A.R.E.S' in your app store of choice.
You can check out the county's rollout of the C.A.R.E.S. app in the video below:
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