Helpful Information
These resources promote awareness of recovery, self–help and empowerment for consumers, service providers, and others.
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General Resources
Report an Issue
Contact Customer Relations if you have a complaint about mental health services received at a facility operated or licensed by New York State.
Choosing Your Health Care Proxy
The NYS Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust–for example, a family member or close friend–to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
As a consumer, HIPAA gives you rights over your health information and sets rules and limits on who can look and receive your health information. HIPAA also requires security for health information in electronic form.
Inpatient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities | (Español)
New York’s rights of inpatients in NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) mental health psychiatric centers.
Outpatient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities | (Español)
New York’s rights of outpatients in NYS OMH licensed programs.
Discharge Planning (বাংলা | 中文 | PyCCКИЙ | Español | Kreyòl Ayisyen | 한국어)
Planning ahead can help people living with mental illness avoid a crisis situation.
Support for Families
Make the Mental Health System Work for You: When families join the Mental Health Care Team Everyone Benefits
Mental health treatment outcomes improve when families are active partners in mental health treatment.
Transition Age Youth
Resources for young people transitioning to adulthood, their families, and service providers.
Housing Resources
New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal
HCR develops, preserves, and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities.
Community Access, Inc.
Leading the charge for safe, affordable housing and employment opportunities for individuals with psychiatric disabilities for over 35 years.
Help USA
One of the country's largest builders and operators of service–enriched transitional and low–income permanent housing.
Employment Resources
New York Employment Services System (NYESS)
A single point to access employment-related services and supports for all New Yorkers, regardless of their (dis)Ability.
Ticket to Work
The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work.
Legal Services
Advanced Directive
Information and guidance on preparing a directive in the event of future mental health treatment and your preferences.
Mental Hygiene Legal Services
MHLS is responsible for protecting and advocating for the rights of people who live in facilities licensed to provide services for mental illness, developmental disabilities, or chemical dependence. MHLS advocates for individuals wherever they may reside or when placed in involuntary outpatient treatment.
Comments or questions about the information on this page, including accessibility issues, can be directed to the Office of Consumer Affairs.