Northwell Health represents one of the largest healthcare providers in New York State, offering comprehensive behavioral health services across diverse communities. As a nonprofit integrated healthcare network with more than 68,000 employees, Northwell provides a range of mental health career opportunities and therapeutic services to individuals struggling with psychiatric and addictive disorders. The organization emphasizes compassionate care, evidence-based approaches, and professional development for those pursuing careers in behavioral health.
Northwell Health's Behavioral Health Services
Northwell Health Behavioral Health Services addresses the diverse mental health needs of the communities it serves through exceptional psychological and psychiatric services. The organization provides a continuum of care that includes emergency services, inpatient treatment, and outpatient programs for people of all ages suffering from various psychiatric and addictive disorders. This comprehensive approach ensures timely access to behavioral health treatment and wellness services across the entire health system.
The behavioral health service line at Northwell operates with a commitment to education, outreach, and clinical research. This commitment is reflected in the organization's dedication to strengthening existing programs while improving operational efficiency to expand access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health and substance use services. Northwell's behavioral health services are designed to meet current needs and standards while making these essential services available to as many people as possible.
Northwell's behavioral health facilities include standalone psychiatric hospitals such as Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens and South Oaks Hospital in Amityville, NY. These facilities, along with other ambulatory settings across the health system, provide specialized care for individuals with complex mental health needs. The organization's recognition as the nation's fourth-largest employer for veterans by the 2026 Military Friendly® Employer awards further demonstrates its commitment to serving diverse populations, including military veterans and reservists.
Career Pathways in Behavioral Health
Northwell Health offers numerous career pathways for individuals interested in behavioral health professions. The organization emphasizes creating meaningful career opportunities while professionals make an impact in the field. Career options span various disciplines and levels of expertise, allowing for professional growth and development within the organization.
Key behavioral health positions at Northwell include:
Mental Health Worker: This role involves providing therapeutic services to patients and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to promote overall well-being. Mental Health Workers are expected to possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations. The position requires a strong desire to provide compassionate care and support to individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor: Professionals in this role provide individual, group, and/or family counseling sessions. They assess and treat patients related to chemical/substance abuse and dependence, employing evidence-based approaches to addiction recovery.
Behavioral Health Counselor: This position involves providing support to behavioral health clients, patients, and/or families. Counselors in this role work directly with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, helping them develop coping strategies and treatment plans.
Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric: Advanced practice providers in this role initiate, document, and communicate the plan of care for patients. They write orders for medications, laboratory work, and diagnostic tests, playing a crucial role in the psychiatric treatment team.
Psychologist: Professionals in this role perform psychological and behavioral assessments and provide psychotherapeutic interventions and other procedures. Psychologists contribute to comprehensive treatment planning and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Registered Nurse (RN) – Psychiatry: These nurses collaborate with physicians and other health team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. They use leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient care unit team.
Registered Nurse (RN) – Manager, Case Management: This role involves managing the daily operations of the department and staff, ensuring delivery of care, productivity, and timeliness in case management processes.
Northwell Health recognizes that one in three people between the ages of 18 and 25 struggle with mental health issues, highlighting the critical need for qualified professionals in the field. The organization has established initiatives to address this challenge, though specific program details are not detailed in the available sources.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The leadership structure of Northwell's behavioral health services plays a significant role in shaping the organization's strategic direction and service delivery. Deepa Avula, MPH, serves as president of Northwell's Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens and South Oaks Hospital in Amityville, NY. In addition to overseeing these two standalone psychiatric hospitals, Ms. Avula holds the position of senior vice president for the health system's behavioral health service line.
In her role, Ms. Avula guides the strategic direction and daily operations of both hospitals. As leader of the behavioral health service line, she works alongside clinical leadership of the psychiatry department to refine existing programs, improve operational efficiency, and expand access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health and substance use services across the diverse communities Northwell serves.
Ms. Avula brings extensive experience to her position, having served as executive deputy commissioner for the Division of Mental Hygiene at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In this capacity, she launched the city's first comprehensive youth mental health initiative and advanced efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Her previous roles include commissioner of North Carolina's Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services and 20 years at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, where in her final role she had oversight of the $10 billion agency's full program and operations.
The recognition of Northwell's leadership quality is evidenced by various honors, including the naming of the Dowling Institute for Learning and Innovation, which honors CEO Emeritus Michael J. Dowling. This institute likely contributes to the organization's commitment to education and innovation in behavioral health services.
Mental Health Statistics and Community Impact
Northwell Health operates within a context where mental health challenges are prevalent across communities. Statistics indicate that one in three people between the ages of 18 and 25 struggle with mental health issues, highlighting the significant need for accessible and effective mental health services. This demographic reality underscores the importance of organizations like Northwell in providing comprehensive behavioral health care.
The organization's approach to addressing mental health needs includes a focus on making essential services available to as many people as possible. This commitment is particularly important given that support for mental health challenges is often scarce, especially for younger populations. Northwell's offerings are positioned to make a difference in addressing this gap in service availability.
As a major employer in the healthcare sector, Northwell's commitment to behavioral health extends beyond direct patient care to include creating sustainable career opportunities for mental health professionals. The organization's recognition as a 2026 Military Friendly® Employer, ranking fourth nationally, demonstrates its commitment to creating meaningful benefits for military veterans and reservists, who may have unique mental health needs related to their service.
Conclusion
Northwell Health represents a significant provider of behavioral health services in New York State, offering comprehensive care across emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings. The organization emphasizes evidence-based approaches, compassionate care, and professional development for those pursuing careers in mental health. With diverse career pathways spanning from direct care providers to advanced practice clinicians and leadership positions, Northwell offers numerous opportunities for professionals to make an impact in the field.
The leadership of experienced professionals like Deepa Avula, combined with the organization's commitment to expanding access to care, positions Northwell to address critical mental health needs in diverse communities. While specific therapeutic methodologies and intervention approaches are not detailed in the available sources, the organization's focus on evidence-based practices and comprehensive service delivery suggests a commitment to quality mental health care.
For individuals considering careers in behavioral health, Northwell Health offers a structured environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. The organization's recognition as a top employer for veterans and its dedication to serving diverse populations further enhance its appeal as a workplace for mental health professionals committed to making a difference in their communities.