Phoenix House NY Helps NYers Living With Mental Health Challenges Prepare for Holidays

Ahead of the annual holiday surge in mental health and substance use-related incidents, 20 members of Phoenix House's new Harlem Clubhouse created a holiday wellness kit with coping strategies for New Yorkers navigating serious mental health challenges, and connected local residents to available services

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NEW YORK, NY (12/19/2025) (readMedia)-- Today, ahead of the holiday season, members of the Phoenix House Harlem Clubhouse led a wellness session to support New Yorkers navigating serious mental health challenges, and equip community members with personalized coping toolkits. With 64% of individuals living with a mental illness reporting worsened mental health around the holidays, the season brings unique challenges that require accessible, community-driven support. To address this critical period, Clubhouse members have crafted their own holiday wellness kit detailing evidence-based coping strategies, and tactile tools like "sensory bottles," designed to support emotional regulation.

See attached photos of members enjoying holiday festivities with the Clubhouse.

Driven by a membership model, and supported by the New York City Health Department, the Harlem Clubhouse provides free, peer-led mental health support to adults ages 18 and living with a serious mental illness (SMI). Since celebrating its official ribbon-cutting with District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Council Member Yusef Salaam, and Assemblymember Jordan Wright and other local leaders, the Clubhouse has welcomed 65 active members who help shape daily and weekly programming.

Over the past several months, members have organized a variety of events, including museum trips, wellness days, and creative open mic sessions, part of the Clubhouse's holistic approach to supporting the mind, body, and soul. Following today's wellness session, current members and Phoenix House leadership led a walking tour and open house, connecting Harlemites to available programming and treatment services.

"Being a Harlem Clubhouse member has helped me recognize my triggers, confront my truth, and begin transforming from the inside out. Through art, music, and connecting with others here, I've found purpose and structure that helps me stay strong - especially during challenging times like the holidays," said Eryka Moore, member of the Phoenix House Harlem Clubhouse.

"At the Clubhouse, I've found people I can trust and lean on when I need it most. They've taught me that asking for support isn't a weakness, but actually a strength. On high-stress days, and through tough periods like the holiday season, I'm able to ground myself in community," said Jordan Simon, member of the Phoenix House Harlem Clubhouse.

"As we head into the holidays, we know this is one of the most challenging times of year for individuals living with serious mental illness. But at this particular moment, when access to behavioral health care is under severe threat, community-based programs like the Harlem Clubhouse are more essential than ever. Our members have shown us that peer support, meaningful connection, and accessible coping strategies can truly save lives. We're proud to stand with our community during this critical season," said Ann-Marie Foster, President & CEO of Phoenix House NY & Long Island.

"The wellness toolkit our members created reflects what they know works - simple, practical strategies that anyone can use to protect their mental health during the holidays. From grounding techniques to staying connected with trusted peers, these tools empower our community to navigate this season with strength and dignity. At the Harlem Clubhouse, we believe everyone deserves access to the support and resources they need to thrive, especially during the times that matter most," said Savannah Lampley, Director of the Phoenix House Harlem Clubhouse.

"Everyone deserves a community where they can thrive, and clubhouses are incredible programs offering that and more. Citywide data shows that clubhouse members are able to build strong connections, attending at least once a week on average with nearly 40 percent of active members participating for five years or more. The NYC Health Department is proud to support more than a dozen clubhouses, including Phoenix House, as an integral component of the work to support our neighbors with serious mental illness. The holiday season can be a difficult time but nobody should ever struggle alone - 988 is available 24/7 for anyone looking for support or connection to services," said Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Health Commissioner of the NYC Health Department.

About Phoenix House: For nearly 60 years, Phoenix House New York and Long Island has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Born as a model for integrated substance use treatment, Phoenix House has grown into a treatment network that offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, clinical services, medication for addiction treatment, health and wellness goals, and vocational and educational support.

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