New Health Insurance Requirements Support New Yorkers Seeking Treatment for Mental Health Conditions and Addictions

New requirements for health insurers that will mandate expanded coverage for New Yorkers seeking treatment for mental health conditions and addiction were announced today. In addition to new guidelines for insurers, the Department of Financial Services has issued a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help New Yorkers understand their rights under these new requirements.

NYS Office of Mental Health Announces Funding to Develop Short-Term Residential Programs for People in Crisis

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today issued a Request for Proposals that will provide $50 million to develop licensed Residential Crisis programs across the State for children and adults. These programs offer short-term interventions in therapeutic settings to help individuals facing a mental health crisis to stabilize and avoid the need for psychiatric hospitalization or emergency room admissions.

New State Actions Protect Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming New Yorkers

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, New York State announced new actions to protect transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers. The Department of Financial Services was directed to propose new actions to further protect access to health insurance for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. The Division of Human Rights was directed to develop a GENDA public awareness campaign that would launch in January for the one year anniversary of the signing of that landmark legislation.

OMH Announces $30 Million in Awards for 1,200 Supportive Housing Units Across New York State

163 conditional awards totaling $30 million to agencies in 43 counties across New York to provide support services and operating funding for at least 1,200 units of supportive housing for homeless persons with special needs, conditions or other challenges was announced today. This is the fourth funding round of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.

NYS Office of Mental Health Cuts Ribbon at New Outpatient Clinic for Children and Adolescents

The New York State Office of Mental Health today celebrated the opening of the Greater Binghamton Health Center's (GBHC) new state-of-the-art outpatient clinic for children and adolescents between five and 17 years old. The new clinic space will improve access to services for members of the community and consolidate children’s services under one roof, greatly improving overall efficiency.

Governor Issues Proclamation during NYS Suicide Prevention Conference Marking September 2019 as Suicide Prevention Month

Office of Mental Health Recognizes Capital Region School District for Extraordinary Suicide Prevention Efforts

The East Greenbush School District, in Rensselaer County, has been awarded the New York State Office of Mental Health's (OMH) "Excellence in Suicide Prevention: Creating and Strengthening Suicide Safer School and Youth Initiatives Award."

Office of Mental Health Recognizes Chautauqua County Widow for Her Commitment to Suicide Prevention Efforts

Carri Raynor, of Chautauqua County, has been awarded the New York State Office of Mental Health's (OMH) "Excellence in Suicide Prevention: Journey of Healing Award".

Office Of Mental Health Recognizes Mid-Hudson Mother For Her Extraordinary Community-Based Suicide Prevention Efforts

Tina Lee, the Community Education and Outreach Manager of the National Alliance on Mental Illness – New York State (NAMI-NYS), has been awarded the New York State Office of Mental Health's (OMH) "Excellence in Suicide Prevention: Creating and Strengthening Suicide Safer Communities Award".

Office Of Mental Health Recognizes New York Doctor for a Lifetime of Leadership on Suicide Prevention

Edward Dunne, a suicide prevention expert from New York, has been awarded the New York State Office of Mental Health's (OMH) "Fred Meservey Life & Leadership Award." The award, presented every two years, is given to a New Yorker who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the field of suicide prevention.

The Office of Mental Health to Host Fourth Annual Suicide Prevention Conference

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) will be holding its fourth annual New York State Suicide Prevention Conference: “STRONGER TOGETHER: Embracing Diversity and State/Local Partnerships in Suicide Prevention” on September 18th and 19th at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany.

Message from OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we reflect on the extraordinary toll suicide takes on individuals, families and communities, and we recommit ourselves to expanding suicide prevention efforts across New York State. It is critical that every New Yorker has access to the resources and mental health services they need to lead productive healthy lives.

New York State Expands Early Intervention Service for Young Adults with Schizophrenia

Albany, NY- The Office of Mental Health today announced an expansion of the state-run program that helps young adults with newly emerging psychotic symptoms. OnTrackNY provides young adults with innovative, team-based psychiatric treatment, employment and educational services, as well as family education and support at locations throughout New York State. New York State has received a $4.9 million federal grant to fund 2 new OnTrackNY teams downstate.

OMH Announces $30 Million Available to Fund Operating Costs of at Least 1,200 Supportive Housing Units

The fourth funding round of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative - or ESSHI - which will provide up to $30 million in service and operating funding for at least 1,200 units of supportive housing was announced today.

Office of Mental Health Receives Federal Youth Suicide Prevention Grant

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has been awarded a five-year $3.68 million youth suicide prevention grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Department of Health is Directed to Apply for Federal Waiver to Provide Medicaid Services to Incarcerated Individuals Leaving Prisons and Jails

The New York State Department of Health today announced that it is submitting for public comment an application to the US Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, to provide Medicaid services to certain incarcerated individuals about to be released from county jails and New York State prisons. The services will be provided beginning 30 days prior to the release date for people enrolled in Medicaid with certain serious health conditions.

New York State Adopts New Regulation to Expand and Improve Crisis Management Services Statewide

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced the adoption of regulatory amendments that will allow for an expansion of the state’s crisis response system while emphasizing person-centered recovery and rehabilitation in the community.

Office of Mental Health Expands Telepsychiatry Regulations to Increase Access to Mental Health Services

July 31, 2019

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced the adoption of new, expanded telepsychiatry regulations to give New Yorkers greater access to a range of mental health services using electronic communication. The new regulations allow more mental health practitioners to utilize virtual technology to provide or support clinical psychiatric care at a distance.

New Regulations to Combat Maternal Depression

May 30, 2019

Acting Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell today announced that the Department of Financial Services will require all New York commercial health insurance policies to cover maternal depression screenings, including screening for the mother under the child's policy.

OMH Recognizes the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services for its Service to the Community

May 30, 2019

Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is honoring The Coalition for Hispanic Family Services (CHFS) in Brooklyn as a recipient of the inaugural OMH Community Care Awards.

OMH Recognizes Fran Mellow of Family Service League for Her Service to the Community

May 30, 2019

Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is honoring Fran Mellow, Division Director at Family Service League in Suffolk County, as a recipient of the inaugural OMH Community Care Awards.

OMH Recognizes the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition for its Service to the Community

May 30, 2019

Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is honoring the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition in Buffalo as a recipient of the inaugural OMH Community Care Awards.

OMH Recognizes Susan K. Miller of Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. for Her Service to the Community

May 30, 2019

Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is honoring Susan K. Miller, Managing Director of Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. in Orange and Sullivan Counties, as a recipient of the inaugural OMH Community Care Awards.

OMH Recognizes Doug Meyer of the Mental Health Association in Essex County for His Service to the Community

May 30, 2019

Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is honoring Doug Meyer, Director of Services for the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Essex County in Westport, as a recipient of the inaugural OMH Community Care Awards.

Office of Mental Health Announces $8.5 Million in Awards to Expand Supportive Housing for Homeless Individuals with Mental Illness

May 29, 2019

Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced 16 awards totaling $8.5 million in annual funding for the operation of 340 units of supportive housing for homeless individuals statewide, with many set aside for individuals with mental illness who are leaving the prison system.

New York State Recognizes Westchester County Woman for Career-long Commitment to Children’s Mental Health

May 7, 2019

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring Patricia White - a mental health pioneer in Westchester County- with the 2019 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Lifetime Award. Patricia has been involved in Westchester’s System of Care since 1989 when the county movement first started.

New York State Recognizes Monroe County Mental Health Program for its Collaborative Support of Teenage Mothers and their Children

May 7, 2019

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring Building Healthy Children– a Rochester program for young mothers- with the 2019 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Organization or Community Group Award. The award recognizes the Building Healthy Children program (BHC) at Mt. Hope Family Center in Rochester, NY for meeting the mental health challenges in Monroe County, an area with an extremely high rate of teenage pregnancy.

New York State Recognizes Chautauqua County System of Care for Organizing a Network of Support for Children’s Mental Wellness

May 7, 2019

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring Chautauqua Tapestry - a network charged with enhancing Chautauqua County’s System of Care - with the 2019 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Systems of Care Award. Chautauqua Tapestry was established in 2008 as part of a federal SAMHSA grant to expand the community’s System of Care.

New York State Recognizes New York City Young Adult for Mental Health Advocacy and Awareness Efforts

May 7, 2019

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring Nivea Jackson - the Youth Advisor for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) - with the 2019 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Youth/Young Adult Award. Nivea Jackson is a former foster youth who understands firsthand the effects of trauma on young people. Her lived experiences are integral to her work, and she uses her voice to enact change.

New York State Recognizes Cayuga County Parent Advocate for Building Bridges of Mental Health Support in her Community

May 7, 2019

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring Kara Georgi - a parent and mental health advocate from Auburn, NY- with the 2019 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Family/Caregiver Award. Kara Georgi has been involved in supporting children and families in her Cayuga County community since she first recognized the needs of her own son and began to build bridges between his services and providers.

New York State Recognizes Lansingburgh Central School District for Prioritizing a Culture of Mental Wellness Amongst Student and Staff

May 7, 2019

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring the Lansingburgh Central School District in Rensselaer County with the 2019 ‘What’s Great in our State’ School District Award. The award recognizes Lansingburgh Central School District (LCSD) for its commitment to addressing the student mental health challenges that urban school districts often face.

First Suicide Prevention Task Force Report Released

April 22, 2019

The first report from the New York State Suicide Prevention Task Force was released today. Established in November 2017, the Task Force serves to increase awareness of and access to supportive services with a special focus on high-risk groups including veterans, Latina adolescents, and members of the LGBTQ community. Recommendations from the report include strengthening public health prevention efforts, integrating suicide prevention in healthcare, timely sharing of data for surveillance and planning, and infusing cultural competence throughout suicide prevention activities.

Office of Mental Health Awards $196,000 to Suicide Prevention Coalitions Across New York

March 20, 2019

The Office of Mental Health today announced $196,000 in awards to 14 Suicide Prevention Coalition groups in New York. The three-year award funding will support coalition projects that target five key suicide prevention areas for New York State: Means Reduction, High Risk Populations, Loss and Attempt Survivors, Men in the Middle Years, and Education and Awareness.

NYS Office of Mental Health Launches New Electronic Tracking System to Reduce Wait Time for Inpatient Care

March 11, 2019

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced the launch of a new bed tracking system that will improve the way information about inpatient bed availability is collected and maintained statewide.

New York State Announces Opening of $4.7 Million Crisis Stabilization Center on Long Island

March 1, 2019

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (OASAS) today announced the opening of the first 24-hour Crisis Stabilization Center on Long Island. The $4.7 million Diagnostic Assessment and Stabilization Hub (DASH) is operated by the Family Service League.

New York State Hosts Informational Sessions for Youth and Caregivers who Qualify for Medicaid’s Newest Health and Behavioral Health Services

February 21, 2019

New York State is hosting two web-based information sessions to discuss changes taking place within the Children’s Medicaid System. Children, youth, families and caregivers enrolled in Medicaid’s 1915c Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs are invited to join an hour-long discussion on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. or Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

Office of Mental Health Announces $12.5 Million in Funding to Expand Supportive Housing for Homeless Individuals with Mental Illness

January 25, 2019

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has issued two new Requests for Proposals(RFP) that will provide up to $12.5 million in annual funding for the operation of 500 units of supportive housing for homeless individuals statewide.

OMH and OASAS Announces Award to Help New Yorkers Access Insurance Coverage for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders

January 10, 2019

The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) have approved awards for five community-based organizations to help educate the public on a new State resource to help individuals and providers access lifesaving substance use disorder and mental health treatment.

New York State Announces New Community-Based Mental Health Services for Medicaid Enrolled Children and Youth

January 2, 2019

ALBANY, NY – New York State today announced the first three of six new community-based mental health services for children, youth, and families. These services will help address the stigma of mental health treatment by providing more rapid access to mental health care where families are more comfortable, including in homes, schools, and other community locations.