Empire State Today

Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a $102 million effort to enhance care and treatment for individuals grappling with serious mental illness. The plan includes the development of 26 Critical Time Intervention (CTI) teams and additional 'Safe Options Support' teams, with a focus on youth and young adults. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health crisis, stating, “New Yorkers struggling with serious mental illness deserve care, treatment and support.”

Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), expressed the significance of providing intensive community supports for individuals with mental illness. She highlighted the role of CTI teams and the Safe Options Support program in assisting individuals and families to access necessary services for recovery and community integration.

The initiative will see the establishment of ten CTI teams in Upstate counties, five teams in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island, and 11 teams in rural areas statewide. These teams will cater to adults with complex mental health conditions and provide support to individuals transitioning from inpatient psychiatric hospitals or crisis services.

Furthermore, OMH is inviting proposals for $10 million in state funding to create two new SOS teams in New York City, specifically tailored to serve young adults experiencing homelessness. These teams aim to provide mental health support, care coordination, and secure permanent housing for individuals at risk of victimization.

The existing SOS teams in New York City have already made significant strides in addressing chronic homelessness among individuals with severe mental illness. Nearly 390 individuals have been placed in stable housing, with over 1,700 clients enrolled in the program since its inception in spring 2022.

Governor Hochul's comprehensive $1 billion plan seeks to transform New York State's mental health care system by expanding existing successful programs like SOS and funding new evidence-based initiatives such as CTI. The Governor's commitment to ensuring quality and affordable mental health care for all New Yorkers is reflected in these strategic investments.