New York expands mental health services with $1B initiative

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of Mental Health Awareness Month with a significant update on New York’s mental health system. Under her $1 billion initiative, the state has made substantial improvements since the program’s inception in 2023.

One of the key advancements is the addition of 875 psychiatric beds across New York. This expansion includes 325 beds at state-operated facilities and 550 at community hospitals, marking the largest increase in psychiatric beds in decades. Ongoing construction projects, such as a 75-bed Transition to Home unit at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, further support this effort. New regulations now require hospitals to arrange follow-up care after inpatient or emergency psychiatric treatment, ensuring that patients receive necessary support post-discharge. Facilities are also mandated to screen for suicide risk and develop comprehensive discharge plans.

In terms of housing and outreach, Hochul’s initiative has funded 1,296 units of specialized housing for individuals in need, with an additional 2,204 units currently in development. The Safe Options Support program has already provided housing for over 1,000 people. Thirteen Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics are now operational, with plans to open 13 more this summer. These clinics provide essential mental health and substance use services to all individuals, irrespective of their insurance status.

To assist individuals transitioning from hospitals to community living, the state has established 50 Critical Time Intervention teams and four Intensive and Sustained Engagement (INSET) teams.

For youth mental health, more than 1,200 school-based mental health clinic satellites are now functioning statewide, while 30 Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams focus on supporting young individuals with severe emotional challenges.

Insurance reforms are set to improve access to mental health services. Starting July 1, health plans must ensure appointments are scheduled within 10 days or allow for out-of-network care at no extra cost.

To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month, 15 landmarks, including Niagara Falls and the Empire State Plaza, will be illuminated in green. This initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and highlight the strides New York is making in this critical area.