Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4178: Establishes a workgroup to conduct analysis on the ambulatory patient group rates and commercial insurance rates for behavioral health services

S 4178 creates a workgroup to analyze reimbursement rates for behavioral health services under Medicaid and commercial insurance. The workgroup, including providers, insurers, consumers, and experts, will study current rates versus actual care costs and develop recommendations for fairer payment models. It specifically focuses on clinics licensed under mental health laws (Articles 31/32) and child health programs, requiring a final report to lawmakers by October 1, 2027. This bill does not change current rates but sets up a review process to inform future policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes workgroup to analyze and improve reimbursement rates for behavioral health services, aiming for fairer payment models to strengthen mental health provider access and coverage.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6807: Provides for the employment of mental health professionals by school districts

This bill requires all New York public school districts (except New York City) to employ certified school psychologists and licensed school social workers to provide mental health services. It amends education law to mandate these professionals as part of required school mental health services, including evaluations, assessments, and interventions for students' mental health needs. The law specifies these roles must be in addition to staff required under federal special education law (IDEA), directly affecting every public school district and all students attending those schools. The bill defines the scope of services, including confidentiality protocols and school environment recommendations, without altering existing health service requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates school districts to hire certified mental health professionals, expanding student support services without reducing existing staff per IDEA requirements.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates school districts to employ mental health professionals, expanding student access to mental health services per summary, directly supporting mental health care provision.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Special Education Student Health Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 20, 2025

S 254: Relates to the hospitalization, care coordination, and assisted outpatient treatment for persons with mental illness by qualified clinical examiners or qualified mental health professionals

Relates to the hospitalization, care coordination, and assisted outpatient treatment for persons with mental illness by qualified clinical examiners or qualified mental health professionals; defines qualified clinical examiner and qualified mental health professional.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes framework for mental health treatment access, care coordination, and outpatient services, directly advancing mental health care expansion and patient access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4650: Relates to mental health certificates

Provides that a mental health certificate shall be requested from each student at the same time health certificates are required; provides that an assessment and mental health history of any child may be requested by the local school authorities at any time in their discretion to promote the educational interests of such child; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires mental health assessments to promote educational interests, enhancing student support programs within schools.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health assessments for students in schools to promote educational interests, supporting mental health service access and integration into student well-being programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Testing & Assessment Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3032: Requires certain private insurance plans to reimburse for services provided by child advocacy centers

Requires private insurance plans which provide for reimbursement for psychiatric or psychological services or for diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions to include reimbursement for services provided by child advocacy centers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates private insurance to cover child advocacy center services, expanding mental health coverage under existing psychiatric reimbursement requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3474: Enhances the assisted outpatient treatment program and eliminates the expiration and repeal of Kendra's Law

Bill S 3474 enhances New York's Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program, commonly known as Kendra's Law, by strengthening oversight and eliminating its scheduled expiration to ensure the program continues without interruption. The bill adds specific requirements for program coordinators to monitor treatment compliance, coordinate services with community providers, and review clinical needs before court orders expire, while mandating community service directors to conduct timely investigations and document processes. It also requires the state to create an educational pamphlet explaining the AOT petition process in plain language for the public. This bill directly affects individuals under court-ordered AOT, mental health program staff, and the public seeking information about the program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances AOT program (Kendra's Law) to improve treatment compliance, reduce recidivism, and prevent criminal justice system involvement through strengthened oversight and permanent funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enhances mental health services by strengthening AOT program oversight, eliminating expiration, and ensuring continuous care for patients under Kendra's Law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2111: Requires suicide prevention hotline centers to meet certain requirements for individuals who are in the perinatal period

This bill (A 2111) amends New York's mental hygiene law to require suicide prevention hotline centers to provide culturally competent care specifically for individuals in the perinatal period (the time surrounding pregnancy and childbirth). It adds "individuals currently in the perinatal period" to a list of protected populations that hotlines must serve, alongside groups like veterans, people of color, and those experiencing homelessness. The key mechanism is expanding existing requirements for training and policies to ensure hotlines meet the needs of perinatal individuals. This policy change directly affects New York's designated suicide prevention hotline centers by mandating specific service standards for this population.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates culturally competent suicide hotline care for perinatal individuals, expanding mental health access for a vulnerable group within healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8081: Relates to requirements for certain mental health practitioners to be issued privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans

Provides alternate education and experience requirements for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts licensed prior to 06/24/2027, to be issued privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans; removes fees for application for such diagnostic privileges.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves fees and provides alternate requirements for mental health practitioners to diagnose/treat, expanding access to mental health services per healthcare topic indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5821: Relates to establishing a statewide person-centered mental health services work group

Establishes a statewide person-centered mental health services work group to improve statewide mental health planning and outcomes to achieve a person-centered, prevention-first integrated and tiered system of care for holistic health and wellness.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes work group to improve mental health planning/outcomes, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7522: Prohibits the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols to coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental health conditions

Prohibits the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols to coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental health conditions; defines serious mental health condition.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits step therapy for serious mental health coverage, ensuring timely access to necessary treatments and protecting patient rights per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track