New York Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in New York
The total burden of mental health disorders in New York exceeds that of all forms of cancer. More than 20% of New Yorkers experience mental health disorder symptoms, and 10% experience symptoms serious enough to interfere with daily life.
20%
New Yorkers experience mental health disorder symptoms
10%
Experience symptoms serious enough to interfere with daily life
Despite these numbers, residents of the Empire State seem to be fairing well when it comes to mental health support. Mental Health America ranks New York as number one among the states for having a balance of lower mental illness prevalence and higher rates of access to care for adults.
New York holds this ranking, despite an overall decrease in inpatient treatment availability. Over the past decade, the state comptroller reports a steady decline in the number of psychiatric inpatient beds, with 20 NY counties having none.
However, access to treatment via telehealth options continues to rise. In the same recent decade, state policies have expanded telehealth services, and millions of New Yorkers are now accessing services remotely – a trend that is expected to continue.
Free Mental Health Resources in New York
The New York State affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a variety of resources for mental health, the management of mental illness, and recovery from substance use disorders. Resources are available for veterans and active duty military, individuals in crisis, and individuals and families seeking life skills training, support groups, and mental health and wellness education. Programs are available online and in-person across the state.
Growing Up NYC features programs from throughout New York City for youth from birth to age 24. The program connects children and their families with community services and support groups. Health and wellness programs offer tips to plan healthy meals and to prevent and treat chronic health conditions. They also provide links to NYC 988 resources for drug and alcohol use, depression, anxiety, or other mental or behavioral health concerns.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
New York City Metro, associated with NAMI, provides comprehensive mental health resources including a helpline, support groups, educational programs, and specialized services for teens, families, and employers. Services are free and are designed to raise awareness surrounding mental health, advocate for and support individuals and families affected by mental illness, and facilitate the development of programs and policies to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of NYC residents..
NYC988 has mental health and addiction resources that can be accessed on-demand and through a range of media. You can call, chat, or text for free and confidential support in more than 200 languages. These resources are available around the clock, 365 days a year. They have a robust, searchable database for behavioral health and substance use services and link to a library of apps for mental health and wellness services. Referrals and follow-up services are included.
The Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health provides access to mental health resources to all New Yorker City and New York State residents. This includes crisis intervention, counseling, substance use recovery, and specialized services for youth, families, and vulnerable populations. The Office also offers training programs for social service providers and free or low-cost community-based care to improve mental well-being. Specialized services are available for persons recovering from the aftermath of COVID-19, including those affected by long COVID.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
First Responders
Depression
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
TransAtlas is supported by the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, providing a searchable database for resources that support transgender, non-binary, and or intersex individuals within New York. Resources include information and access to medical, transition-related, mental health, addiction, political and legal, and wellness services. You can filter by service, neighborhood, community, or patient populatoin.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
The New York State Psychological Association provides mental health resources for students and adults, including help finding professional care for a myriad of mental and behavioral health concerns. The searchable directory allows users to navigate by service and interest, from marriage and family therapists to trauma-informed care. They also provide access to educational podcasts, school resources, and trauma/crisis prevention and response services. Disorder-related resources are included for alcohol addiction, drug abuse, and mental illness.
Therapy Aid offers free short-term therapy for U.S. healthcare professionals and first responders. They also provide information and access to free or low-cost therapists, support groups, and resources offering longer-term care. The mission is to support the mental wellness of healthcare workers and first responders using a national network of psychotherapists.
Provide Services for
First Responders
The New York State Office of Mental Health is a multifaceted mental health system that serves more than 900,000 people each year, They provide resources for individuals, families, and healthcare providers. Their programs address mental and behavioral health conditions, offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, support in finding mental health programs, and assistance in accessing mental health resources during a natural disaster or other emergency.
The Suicide Prevention Center is a program operated by the New York State Office of Mental Health. They provide comprehensive mental health resources, including crisis support through NYC 988 and training programs for communities, individuals, schools, and healthcare providers to prevent suicide statewide. They conduct community research and offer data to facilitate the development of robust suicide intervention and prevention programs statewide. They also offer comprehensive support for individuals and families affected by suicide.
The Ontario County Mental Health Center (OCMHC) serves county residents by offering access to licensed clinical staff providing low and no-cost mental health treatment. They also offer free youth Mental Health First Aid, teaching the community and caregivers how to help adolescents with a mental health or addiction challenge. In-person and telehealth services are available. Age-specific programs are designed for persons age 5 and up. Referrals are provided and all services are confidential except as prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
The Rockland County Department of Mental Health oversees a comprehensive behavioral health system with services for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and addiction. They also provide access to specialized programs for veterans, domestic violence and trauma survivors, youth, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. They coordinate services across local, county, and state levels to ensure a complete continuum of care. Emergency assistance is available.
The Mental Health Association in New York State is committed to raising awareness and ending stigmas around mental health. They advocate for policy change and provide school and community-based education to promote mental wellness. They offer self-paced training courses about mental health and addiction recovery. They also operate CarePath, a family-focused, non-clinical health and wellness program individuals over age 12 in recovery.
NYC Care guarantees low-cost or free healthcare services to New York City residents who aren't eligible for or can't afford health insurance. Membership in the program allows you to choose a primary care provider and access preventive care, women's health services, specialty care, and mental health services. The program also offers assistance with housing, food, and nutrition.
Community Counseling & Meditation operates five outpatient, Article 31 licensed mental health and substance abuse clinics throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. They are staffed by 150 licensed clinicians providing services that include psychological, psychiatric, and psychosocial assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They emphasize culturally sensitive treatment to support individuals facing mental illness or addiction. Services are offered at low or no cost and include specialized programs for high-risk populations, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions.