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James Plastiras Director of Public Information New York State Office of Mental Health 518-474-6540 james.plastiras@omh.ny.gov May 16, 2024
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NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES NEARLY $3.5 MILLION AVAILABLE TO ADD 13 NEW COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICSCommunity Behavioral Health Clinics Serve Roughly 63,000 New Yorkers Annually, Providing Behavioral Health Services Regardless of Ability to Pay |
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New York State today announced the availability of nearly $3.5 million to cover start-up costs for 13 new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which will triple the number operating in the state and greatly expand the areas providing person-centered and trauma-informed care for individuals experiencing behavioral health issues. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and Department of Health, these facilities provide a comprehensive array of behavioral health services to help individuals navigate the behavioral healthcare system across multiple providers as they transition from one level of care to another, regardless of their ability to pay. “By offering comprehensive mental health and substance use services, these community behavioral health centers help to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the services and supports they need when facing mental health and substance use challenges,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “Governor Kathy Hochul is once again demonstrating her commitment to make quality behavioral healthcare more accessible for all New Yorkers.” New York State is providing $265,000 in first-year startup funding to establish five Community Behavioral Health Clinics on Long Island or New York City and eight in other areas of the state. Providers will be funded through a combination of sources, including Medicaid, Medicare, commercial insurers, and payment from individuals receiving services. Community Behavioral Health Clinics provide a comprehensive array of behavioral health services to help individuals navigate the behavioral healthcare system across multiple providers as they transition from one level of care to another. These facilities establish strong communication protocols and partnerships with community-based partners. These clinics link to or directly provide crisis mental health services, including 24-hour mobile crisis teams, emergency crisis intervention, and crisis stabilization; screening and assessments; patient-centered treatment planning; and outpatient mental health and substance use services. In addition, these facilities help connect individuals to outpatient primary care screening and monitoring; targeted case management; psychiatric rehabilitation services; peer and family support services; and intensive community-based mental health care for veterans and members of the armed services. Community Behavioral Health Clinics serve individuals of all ages throughout their lifespan, whenever they are experiencing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or both, including individuals with co-occurring intellectual or developmental disabilities. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay, or county or city location of residence. Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Creation of these new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics follows through on the promise Governor Hochul made to expand the state’s continuum of care for those requiring services for behavioral, physical health, substance use and other co-occurring conditions. It demonstrates a firm commitment by the state to provide comprehensive care that meets the unique health care needs of all New Yorkers, and OASAS looks forward to continuing to expand this innovative model to help more people access the help and support they need.” Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The additional community behavioral health clinics across New York will provide critical access to services, including crisis intervention and substance use services, for individuals and families struggling with mental health issues. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding comprehensive person-centered and trauma-informed care services across the state.” Governor Hochul’s $1 billion plan to strengthen New York’s mental health care system included $60 million in capital and $121.6 million in operating funding to dramatically expand outpatient services. Central to this component is expanding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics to triple the number operating statewide from 13 to 39 by July 2025. Governor Hochul also expanded funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics statewide by $14.7 Million, including funding from the state’s newly created uncompensated care pool. With the first sites established in New York in 2017, the state awarded $3.5 million in startup funding last fall to increase the number of them from 13 to 26. |
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