Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5133: Relates to required clinical education for certain mental health practitioners

Requires clinical experience for certain mental health practitioners; allows such practitioners to make assessment-based treatment plans; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires clinical education for mental health practitioners, enhancing service quality and aligning with mental health service support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2077: Authorizes the delivery of telehealth services in schools by licensed providers

This bill allows licensed telehealth providers to deliver health, dental, and mental health services to students within school settings. It requires providers to meet specific licensing standards, obtain parental consent, and use secure technology to protect student privacy. Schools will not bear costs for these services - funding comes from federal, state, or other existing sources - and telehealth must supplement, not replace, existing school health staff like nurses and counselors. The state must create regulations covering provider requirements, billing, technology standards, and compliance with privacy laws.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes school-based telehealth services to improve student health access without replacing staff, supplementing existing school health programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes telehealth for student health/dental/mental services, expands access without replacing staff, uses existing funding to supplement care - directly improves healthcare access and supports mental health services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires secure technology for student privacy, directly protecting data privacy per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health Telehealth

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1827: Relates to enacting the health care worker peer support program

This bill establishes a state-funded grant program to create peer support networks for health care workers, directly affecting hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities that apply for funding. It appropriates $10 million to provide grants (capped at $250,000 per entity) to eligible organizations to develop peer-to-peer mental health programs focused on issues like PTSD and suicide prevention. The program requires standardized training for peer volunteers and administrative staffing, while prohibiting the collection of personal health data from workers seeking support. The law mandates that grant recipients follow state-established standards for program implementation and ensures privacy protections for participants.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $10M for state-funded peer support grants to health care workers, directly increasing public service funding under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds peer support programs for healthcare workers' mental health (PTSD/suicide prevention), directly advancing mental health services within healthcare sector.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds mental health peer support for healthcare workers, addressing PTSD/suicide prevention - directly advancing workplace well-being and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1789: 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 insurance reimbursement for child advocacy mental health services, expanding coverage under existing mental health reimbursement requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 1796: Includes services provided by certified recovery peer advocates and certain services provided at inpatient facilities as part of standard coverage

This bill (S 1796) requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by certified recovery peer advocates and specific inpatient treatment services for people with substance use disorders. It amends coverage rules to include these services when delivered through programs certified or authorized by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. The key change ensures that peer advocacy support and inpatient care at certified facilities become part of standard insurance coverage, rather than requiring separate authorization. This directly affects individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment at approved facilities. The bill does not create new services but mandates their inclusion in existing coverage requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for certified peer advocates and inpatient substance use disorder treatment, expanding access to mental health services per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 253: Relates to mental health services and resources for child protective services employees

This bill requires all employers in child protective services (CPS) to provide mental health support services to their employees. It specifically mandates access to resources like trauma-focused therapy, EMDR treatment, counseling, and informational support to address workplace stress and secondary trauma. The law directly affects CPS workers - such as caseworkers and supervisors - who face high-stress, emotionally demanding situations daily. The key provision is a legal obligation for employers to cover these services, aiming to improve employee well-being and retention. (4 sentences)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates mental health services (trauma therapy, counseling) for CPS employees, directly expanding access to mental health care resources.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates mental health services for CPS workers facing high-stress conditions, directly protecting workplace well-being and addressing secondary trauma.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6128: Relates to covering mental illness under the healthy New York program

This bill (A 6128) requires health insurers and health coverage providers under New York's Healthy New York program to include coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in existing policies. It directly affects insurers selling group or individual health insurance policies that cover hospital care or physician services. The key change amends insurance law to mandate that these policies explicitly cover mental health care, aligning it with other medical treatments. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers to cover mental health diagnosis/treatment in existing policies, aligning with medical coverage standards per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 23, 2026

S 8309: Relates to outpatient mental health, substance use disorder, residential and rehabilitation services and Medicaid fee-for-service

This bill shifts outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services under New York's Medicaid program from a managed care model back to traditional fee-for-service billing, requiring federal approval. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries receiving these services and the providers (licensed facilities, clinics) delivering them. Key provisions mandate that these services be administered under fee-for-service, with savings from the transition required to be reinvested into community-based behavioral health services starting in 2026. The change takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies to services for individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareShifts mental health/substance use services to fee-for-service under Medicaid, mandates reinvestment of savings into community services, strengthening access and provider support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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