This bill requires licensed cosmetologists and barbers to complete an eight-hour mental health first aid training program. The training teaches participants to recognize symptoms of mental health crises (like anxiety or depression), safely de-escalate situations, and refer clients to appropriate community resources. All current licensees and new applicants must complete this certified training to maintain or obtain their licenses. The law aims to enhance community safety by equipping beauty professionals - who interact closely with the public - with skills to support individuals in mental health distress.
Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.
This bill requires New York State correctional facilities to move incarcerated individuals diagnosed with specific serious mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression) out of segregated confinement or long-term rehabilitation units into specialized residential mental health treatment units. It mandates this diversion after consultation with mental health clinicians, applying to anyone diagnosed at any time with one of the listed conditions, unless the move relates to a disciplinary hearing. The policy aims to replace prolonged solitary confinement with appropriate mental health treatment for affected individuals. This change directly impacts incarcerated people with qualifying mental health diagnoses currently held in restrictive settings.
Develops protocols that designated hotline centers play calming music while callers are on hold, regular "comfort" messages, and if necessary, the hotline center shall provide additional messaging to encourage the caller to stay on the line.
Conforms the definition of an incarcerated individual with a serious mental illness to the definition of "person with a serious mental illness" in the mental hygiene law.
Establishes a youth mental health advisory board consisting of youths aged 16-20 to examine and make recommendations for legislation and initiatives regarding issues of youth mental health including social media, bullying, substance use, trauma, poverty and access to services.
Relates to restraint of individuals in facilities under the jurisdiction of the office of mental health; establishes procedures which must be followed in order to restrain patients who are served in mental hygiene facilities.
Extends certain provisions authorizing certain mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts to engage in diagnosis and the development of assessment-based treatment plans.
Relates to establishing residential treatment facilities as an alternative to incarceration designated by the commissioner for the care and treatment of persons with serious mental illness who are accused of at least one felony level crime.
Relates to establishing integrated community mental health clinics to provide services to address mental health issues, anger management issues, substance abuse issues and isolation issues.
