Cayuga County officials urge community to utilize mental health resources

Auburn Police Chief Jim Slayton and Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck are urging residents to take advantage of the numerous mental health services available in the community, emphasizing the importance of seeking help for mental health struggles.

In a joint statement, Slayton and Schenck highlighted the range of local and national resources designed to address mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and crisis intervention. “There is no shame in seeking help, and no one should have to face mental health challenges alone,” they said. “These resources are here to support you, your family, and our community.”

Among the services highlighted are the Anxiety, Depression, and Panic Attack (ADAPA) Support Group, which meets bi-weekly at Auburn Community Hospital, and Cayuga County Mental Health, offering walk-in services and a 24/7 crisis hotline. Organizations like Nick’s Ride 4 Friends and Farnham Family Services provide targeted addiction recovery services, while Liberty Resources Mobile Crisis Team offers immediate intervention for individuals in crisis.

For students and families, the Auburn Enlarged City School District provides an extensive list of mental health resources on its website. Additionally, Cayuga Counseling Services delivers therapy and crisis intervention tailored to individuals, families, and groups.

Sheriff Schenck stressed that mental health is a community-wide issue requiring collective awareness and action. “Too often, people suffer in silence, unaware of the help available to them. We want everyone to know that support is just a phone call away,” he said.

National resources, including the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) crisis text line, remain accessible 24/7 for those in immediate distress. Specialized services for veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and victims of domestic violence are also widely available.

Chief Slayton added, “Our goal is to ensure that every resident knows where to turn in moments of crisis. Whether it’s a local program or a national hotline, help is always within reach.”

For a full list of resources, including contact numbers and service descriptions, community members are encouraged to visit local agency websites or call the designated hotlines directly.

Current local resource directory — November 15, 2026

Cayuga Counseling Services provides outpatient mental health treatment for mental, emotional and behavioral concerns. Call 315-253-9795 for information about services.

Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca offers confidential domestic violence assistance through its 24-hour hotline at 315-255-6221. Services include temporary shelter, safety planning, advocacy, supportive counseling and support groups for survivors and their children.

Liberty Resources lists 315-251-0800 for crisis support, available around the clock for children and adults experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Calls are assessed to determine the appropriate response, which may include telephone support or an in-person mobile crisis response in the community.

East Hill Medical Center offers behavioral health services. For Inner Wellness, call 315-253-8477 and select prompt 6. East Hill accepts many insurance plans and offers an income-based sliding fee discount.

Nick’s Ride 4 Friends provides free, nonclinical peer recovery services and connections to local support for people affected by substance use disorders. Its drop-in center is at 13 Chapel St. in Auburn. Call 315-253-3945 for information about peer support, local meetings and treatment resources.

Staff Report

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