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Governor Hochul Highlights Accomplishments from Teen Mental Health First Aid Expansion
Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced that more than 2,500 teens have received Mental Health First Aid training, a 71 percent increase since this initiative was incorporated into high schools last summer. Doubling down on this accomplishment, Governor Hochul exponentially increased the investment in this initiative in the newly Enacted FY27 State Budget, so that all 10th graders statewide will be able to access this critical training at school. Governor Hochul secured $17.5 million in the FY27 State Budget to ensure Teen Mental Health First Aid training is available to all 10th graders across New York State. This phased-in commitment will make training available to more than 180,000 students annually, ensuring that over time most high school students will have the basic skills to support mental wellbeing in themselves and each other. The training was incorporated into high schools using $3.5 million in state funding, laying the groundwork to significantly ramp up the initiative with additional investment. With the new budget, funding for the program is expected to double this year, helping to train roughly 25,000 students during the 2026-2027 school year and then in subsequent years, as total funding increases to $21 million annually. Read more here.
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New York State Department of Health Announces Screening of More Than One Million Medicaid Members by New York Social Care Network Program
The New York State Department of Health today announced that more than one million Medicaid members have now been screened for health-related social needs through New York's Social Care Network program, helping connect New Yorkers to services that support healthier lives and communities. The Social Care Network program helps eligible Medicaid members access services that address everyday challenges affecting health, including food insecurity, unstable housing, transportation barriers and difficulty navigating available resources. Through regional Social Care Networks, New York is strengthening partnerships among health care providers, community-based organizations and local partners to better identify needs and connect people with support in their communities. Read more here.
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Secretary Kennedy Announces Over $700 Million in New Funding to Address Mental Illness, Addiction, Homelessness
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on Wednesday announced the posting of a $96 million funding opportunity for the Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Support (STREETS) program, along with $612 million in funding opportunities for additional behavioral health programs. These announcements, which drive forward President Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, were made during a press conference following the Secretary’s visit to the Easterseals Michigan-Clinton Township Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). "Through more than $700 million in new investments, we are advancing President Trump's Great American Recovery Initiative and addressing the addiction and serious mental illness that fuel homelessness across America. These investments will help move people from the streets into treatment and recovery, strengthen families, save lives, and make communities safer," said Secretary Kennedy. Read more here.
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Why New Yorkers Are Waiting Months for Mental Health and Substance Use Care
Every day, children, adults, and families reach out for help with substance use disorders and mental illness, and are told to wait. A new statewide report released today by InUnity Alliance highlights that New Yorkers seeking ongoing support face long waits driven largely by limited capacity and complex insurance requirements. Like most serious health conditions, substance use disorders and many mental illnesses are preventable and respond best to early intervention. These delays and service gaps have serious consequences. In 2023, suicide was the seventh leading cause of premature death statewide, according to the New York State Department of Health. In New York City, suicide, drug poisoning, and alcohol-related conditions ranked among the top ten causes of premature death, according to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Left untreated, these conditions also contribute to housing instability, child welfare involvement, and contact with the legal system. Yet there are tremendous gaps between need and care, with barriers often greatest among people facing persistent inequities. Read more here.
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New Research Examines Sociocultural Barriers to Usable Behavioral Health Care
The fifth and final in a five-part series supported by the National Institute for Health Care Reform examines the critical sociocultural barriers that prevent individuals from accessing or staying connected to behavioral health (BH) services. While nearly one in three U.S. adults reported a mental illness or substance use issue in 2024, access can still fail even when providers and insurance coverage exist. Drawing on a literature review and 18 interviews with patient advocates, safety net providers, and researchers in Michigan, New Mexico, and Virginia, the report explores what makes care truly usable, safe, and sustainable. Read more here.
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Confronting Crises with Clarity and Unanimity
Christmas may not be coming in July, but winter is. A wave of health care losses will hit on July 1 as the storm created by HR 1 sweeps the country. Across New York State, roughly 450,000 adults between 200-250% of the federal poverty level will lose low-cost, comprehensive health insurance through the Essential Plan. That means single adults earning about $30,000 – $40,000, or a family of four with a combined income of about $60,000-$80,000, either have to fork up more money each month for coverage on the marketplace or from an employer—or simply hope that they won’t need medical care. In New York City, an estimated 233,000 people will be affected. About 43% of them are lawfully present immigrants, and an additional significant percentage are working people who don’t have employer-sponsored health insurance. They are essential workers and mostly represent the service sector. Queens will be the hardest hit followed by Brooklyn and the Bronx. This is the very demographic that was worst hit during the early days of the pandemic but kept the city running, nonetheless. Read more here.
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Navigating New York Health Insurance with CHAMP
With major changes hitting health insurance plans across New York, thousands of residents face sudden gaps in coverage, unexpected drops in benefits, or confusing renewal paperwork. Navigating behavioral health insurance during this time of instability can feel overwhelming, but no one has to protect their rights alone. The Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project (CHAMP) provides free, confidential support to help New Yorkers access mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Whether an individual has Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, or no insurance at all, CHAMP helps clarify coverage, request vital plan documents, advocate with insurance companies, and appeal coverage denials. As a joint program between the New York State Office for Addiction Services and Supports and the Office of Mental Health, CHAMP is here to ensure health insurance doesn’t stop New Yorkers from getting the care they need. The free helpline is available at 888-614-5400, Monday–Wednesday (9am–7pm) and Thursday–Friday (9am–4pm). More information can be found at www.champny.org.
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FDA Broadens Access to Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdose
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved another over-the-counter (OTC) intranasal naloxone product, Rextovy, a 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Consumers may directly purchase this product without a prescription in places such as pharmacies, convenience stores, and online. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is the standard treatment for opioid overdose. Rextovy is an additional life-saving medication approved by the FDA to reverse an opioid overdose to be sold directly to consumers and contains the same active ingredient as other naloxone nasal sprays. The availability of multiple approved formulations expands access and market availability, encourages competition that may reduce cost, and offers alternative sourcing options. Read more here.
Related: Short-Acting Opioids for Withdrawal May Keep Patients From Leaving Hospital Early
New fentanyl vaccine blocks deadly overdoses before they start
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'It Gets Harder Every Year’: What It Takes to Win Over the Therapist Workforce
The therapist workforce is increasingly seeking employers and practice partners that reduce administrative burdens, provide strong clinical support, and offer flexibility in how they work. Outpatient mental health providers, in turn, are working to make therapists’ jobs as frictionless as possible, strengthen support systems, and refine hiring practices to meet the evolving expectations of clinicians. “I can tell you it gets harder every year,” said Lisa Miller, Chief Operating Officer of LifeStance Health. “They’re possibly the most sought-after segment out there. We are extremely passionate about continuing to meet the demand for care, which means we have to continue to be attractive to clinicians as we recruit and hire.” LifeStance Health employed 8,349 clinicians at the end of the first quarter of 2026, an 11% increase over the previous year. The company operates 594 locations across 33 states and is the largest provider of outpatient mental health services in the United States. Demand for therapists has grown significantly due to the lasting effects of COVID-19 and reduced stigma around seeking mental health treatment. Counseling professions are among the fastest-growing occupations nationally, while increased investment in behavioral health has further intensified competition for therapists. Read more here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS
Exploring Strategies to Improve Rural Behavioral Health Access: From SARHNA to Beyond
June 23, 12 - 1 pm, NYSARH
Reframing Opioid Use Disorder and Co-Occurring & Co-Morbid Disorders Through a Systems Lens
June 23, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Integrating Substance Use Treatment into HIV and Hepatitis C Prevention
June 23, 2 - 3 pm, CSH
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Practice: Building, Measuring, and Sustaining Programs That Work
June 23, 2 - 3:30 pm, Policy Research Associates
Identifying Service Members, Veterans and Their Families
June 24, 12 - 1:30 pm, Suicide Prevention Coalition Academy
Treating Internet Addiction: AI, Pornography, Social Media, Online Gambling, & Gaming
June 24, 12 - 1:30 pm, NAADAC
Leveraging Homeless Courts and Care Courts to Support Individuals’ Homelessness, Mental Illness, and Substance Use Disorders Needs
June 24, 3:30 - 5 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center
Workforce Strategies for Tobacco Treatment: The Role of Community Health Workers and Peer Support Specialists
June 25, 12 - 1 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Understanding Boys and Young Men: A Webinar For Caretakers and Educators
June 25, 12 - 1 pm, JED Foundation
Mobile Crisis Response in Rural Areas
June 25, 3 - 4 pm, CMS NTAC
From Curious to Capable: AI's Impact on Organizational Culture and Practice in Behavioral Health
June 30, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Evaluations that Matter: Turning Program Evaluation Findings into Insight and Action
June 30, 1 - 2 pm, SAMHSA
Integrating Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder Into the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model: Lessons Learned
June 30, 1 - 2 pm, PCCS
New Community Engagement Requirements Rule: What You Need to Know
July 1, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Provider Investigation Basics - 3-Day Virtual Training
July 7, 9, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, NYS Justice Center
Case-Based Discussion: Stigma Associated with MAUD within the Peer Recovery Community
July 7, 1 - 2 pm, PCSS-MAUD
Considering Ethics in Documentation of Clinical Supervision
July 8, 12 - 1:30 pm, NAADAC
Change Management Is a Leadership Skill: Are You Pushing Staff Through Change or Pulling Them?
July 9, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Driving Impact Through Data: Key Performance Metrics in CoCM
July 15, 1 - 2 pm, CoE-IHS
Leveraging Program Outcomes to Drive Policy Change
July 15, 1 - 2 pm, Social Current
Operationalizing Interdisciplinary Practice to Treat Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder In Behavioral Health & Primary Care
July 16, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
The Role of Accreditation in Elevating Minority-Led Social Service Agencies
July 22, 12 - 1:30 pm, NAADAC
Understanding the Importance of Care Coordination for Individuals with Serious Emotional Disturbance or Serious Mental Illness who are Homeless
July 22, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, NASMHPD
Malicious False Reporting (New training!)
July 23, 11 am - 12 pm, NYS Justice Center
Building a Healthy Workplace Culture: Psychological Safety, Accountability, and Support
July 23, 1 - 1:45 pm, Social Current
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning: Leveraging Data to Enhance Tobacco Control and Recovery Initiatives
July 23, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
5th Annual School Mental Health Summer Academy
August 11 - 12, 9 am - 12:30 pm, SMHRTC
Anticipating Policy Change
August 13, 1 - 2 pm, Social Current
Chasing Other Dragons – Atypical Intoxicants
September 16, 12 - 1:30 pm, NAADAC
SAVE THE DATE - The 2026 New York State Suicide Prevention Conference
September 29 - 30, Ithaca, NY
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CLMHD CALENDAR
June
Developmental Disabilities Committee Meeting
June 18: 1 - 2 pm
CLMHD Offices Closed - Juneteenth
June 19
JULY
Executive Committee Meeting
July 1: 8 - 9 am
CLMHD Office Closed - Independence Day
July 4
Addiction Services & Recovery Committee Meeting
July 9: 11 am - 12 pm
Mental Health Committee Meeting
July 9: 3 - 4 pm
LGU Clinic Operators Call
July 14: 10 - 11 am
Membership Call
July 15: 9 - 10:30 am
Children & Families Committee Meeting
July 21: 12 - 1:30 pm
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