NYC Council Presses Health Officials on Long Wait Times for Mental Health Teams
New York City Council members are demanding answers from health officials about the extended wait times that individuals with serious mental illnesses face when attempting to enroll in treatment and housing programs.
Councilmember Shahana Hanif, a Democrat representing Brooklyn, emphasized the urgency of these programs, stating, “These are extremely important programs, and we are looking to expand them.”
Hundreds Waiting for Intensive Mental Health Treatment
At a City Council hearing on the health budget, Dr. H. Jean Wright II, executive deputy commissioner of the city health department’s Division of Mental Hygiene, revealed that 672 people are on the waitlist for the city’s Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) teams. Additionally, 682 individuals are waiting for enrollment in Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams.
These teams provide mental health and substance use treatment to individuals with unstable living conditions who frequently interact with the mental health and criminal justice systems. Despite these challenges, Wright could not confirm how long individuals typically wait for enrollment. However, he noted that some individuals on the waitlist are already receiving care coordination while waiting for a transfer to a team closer to their location.
Funding and Expansion of Mental Health Programs
Dr. Michelle Morse, the acting city health commissioner, highlighted the impact of these programs, stating that New York City currently funds 38 Intensive Mobile Treatment teams with an annual budget of $42 million, serving over 1,000 people in fiscal year 2024.
The Vera Institute of Justice has urged the city to increase the budget for IMT teams by 50% in the upcoming fiscal year. While additional funding has enabled the expansion of IMT teams in recent years, a 2023 audit by City Comptroller Brad Lander recommended improved oversight and outcome reporting to ensure the programs’ effectiveness.
Alternative Solutions to Reduce Waitlists
To address growing demand, some organizations are implementing alternative approaches. The Institute for Community Living, a nonprofit, has introduced a privately funded step-down program to help individuals transition from IMT and ACT teams to less intensive services when they’re ready. Additionally, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has recommended further investment in this model.
Debate Over Involuntary Hospitalization Policies
While City Council members advocate for expanding community-based mental health programs, they are also pushing back against Mayor Eric Adams’ focus on involuntary hospitalization as a solution to the city’s mental health crisis.
In a policy brief released Monday, the City Council criticized the Adams administration for failing to provide sufficient data on the effectiveness of involuntary psychiatric evaluations. Mayor Adams defended his approach, urging officials to witness firsthand the mental health crisis in public spaces like the subway system.
In 2022, Mayor Adams introduced new guidelines expanding criteria for involuntary hospitalizations. Under these guidelines, individuals exhibiting signs of mental illness who cannot meet their own basic needs—not just those posing a danger to themselves or others—can be hospitalized involuntarily. Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul are now advocating for this standard to be codified into state law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) teams?
IMT teams provide mental health and substance use treatment for individuals with unstable living conditions who frequently interact with the mental health and criminal justice systems.
How many people are currently on the waitlist for these programs?
As of the latest report, 672 people are waiting for IMT teams, while 682 are on the waitlist for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams.
How is the city addressing these long wait times?
The city is increasing funding for mental health teams and exploring step-down programs to transition individuals to less intensive services when appropriate.
What is the controversy surrounding involuntary hospitalization?
City Council members argue that the Adams administration has not provided adequate data to justify expanded involuntary hospitalizations. Mayor Adams maintains that these hospitalizations are necessary to address severe mental health cases in public spaces.
What changes are being proposed at the state level?
Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul are advocating for a state law change to expand the criteria for involuntary psychiatric evaluations beyond just cases where an individual poses a danger to themselves or others.
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