Technology is Always Evolving – So Should Our Approach to Youth Mental Health

From smartphones and watches to social media platforms, the world we live in today is much different than the one from twenty or even ten years ago. Technology continues to grow at a rapid pace as do the impacts these new devices are having on our mental wellbeing. Specifically, we are...

Addressing the Unique Mental Health Challenges Brought on by Aging

Older adults are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the nation and in New York State. There are currently about 4.6 million New Yorkers who are 60 years of age or older and another 4.2 million between the ages of 45 and 59. Individuals with wisdom and life experience are a gift to...

2024 Funding Available! New York State’s Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund Tax Check-off Program – Deadline May 31, 2024

The New York State Office of Mental Health is making funds available for projects that promote mental health stigma reduction across the state. These funds are from revenues received through the voluntary tax check-off program. This program, approved by the legislature in 2016, continues to allow...

Safe, Stable Housing and Employment Are Key Social Determinants of Health, and Critical for Recovery!

Safe and stable housing, together with appropriate employment, are important determinants of mental and physical health. For people who are living with mental illness, housing and employment can play a critical role in their journeys towards recovery. Governor Hochul has long recognized the...

Quality Integrated Care is Critical for the Recovery of Individuals with Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges

Integrated care works with the whole person in the world they are experiencing including their physical and behavioral health, as well as past trauma and other social determinants impacting their lives. Individuals with co-occurring disorders, when treated holistically, develop a trusting...

Recovery: Realizing Hopes and Dreams

We must ensure that individuals living with mental illness have the opportunity to fulfill their hopes and dreams. To do so, all the systems and services we design must support the ability for individuals living with mental illness to thrive in their own community and reach their personal goals. We...

Modeling Compassion to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

I grew up believing that I lived in a perfect family, including my grandparents’ generation. In a way, this provided a sense of safety and positivity in my world. As I grew older, I came to know about relatives who struggled with depression and anxiety. I also learned of individual and family...

Addressing Stigma: The Importance of Cultural Relevance and Early Intervention

The stigma surrounding mental illness can take a huge toll on children, youth, adults, and families with mental health concerns. Addressing stigma not only helps the individual, but the entire community. Eliminating discrimination that is caused by stigma can lead to improved opportunities for...

Governor Hochul Announces Details of $1 Billion Plan to Overhaul New York State’s Continuum of Mental Health Care

Transformative Plan to Increase Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment Capacity, Boost Insurance Coverage and Dramatically Expand Outpatient Services Investments will Create Transitional and Supportive Housing to Serve New Yorkers with Mental Illness; Create Systemic Accountability for Hospital...

Supporting Families in the Recovery Process

At the New York State Office of Mental Health, our Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS) – formerly the Office of Consumer Affairs –supports families to play a vital role in the recovery and resilience process. The office is staffed by individuals with expertise gained through...