Mental Health, Office of

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Agency Web Site: https://www.omh.ny.gov/Link to External Website

Mission

The Office of Mental Health’s (OMH) mission is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on facilitating hope and recovery for adults and children with serious mental illness or emotional disturbances.

Organization and Staffing

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) has a Central Office in Albany, which oversees State Operated and Local Programs, and the State directly operates 24 psychiatric facilities. The Local Programs are delivered by a combination of local government and community-based service providers; oversight is provided by OMH's Central Office program and fiscal staff, and by five regional Field Office Directors, who work with local Directors of Community Services, regional program and fiscal staff, and report to the Commissioner. The overall workforce is projected to decrease by 105 FTEs to 13,652.

Budget Highlights

The Executive Budget provides $4.5 billion All Funds appropriations, a net increase of $50 million (1.1%), reflecting the investment in community-based services, targeted salary increases for direct care and clinical staff, and residential stipend enhancements.

The Executive Budget builds on Governor Cuomo’s efforts to expand OMH community services and transition individuals to more appropriate and cost-effective community settings. OMH has continued to enhance its service offerings in recent years, by expanding supported housing units throughout the State, providing additional peer support services, and developing new services, such as mobile crisis teams. Since FY 2015, the expansion in community-based services has resulted in 52,500 previously unserved individuals receiving services and funded over 1,970 additional supported housing beds. The success of these community investments has resulted in the reduction of over 700 unnecessary, vacant inpatient beds over the same time period. Specifically, the Budget will:

  • Enhance Support for Existing Residential Programs. The Budget provides an additional $20 million for existing community-based residential programs. This investment will help preserve access to housing, a critical component of recovery. Since FY 2015, annual funding to enhance support for these existing housing programs has increased by $70 million.

  • Transform Kingsboro Psychiatric Center into a Recovery Hub. The FY 2021 Executive Budget includes a plan to develop a voluntary-operated, step-down transition to community residence program on the Kingsboro PC campus and transform the campus into a "Recovery Hub Facility", focused on shortening lengths of stay and providing centralized community support services. This new service delivery model will be supported by new revenue generated through a federal Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Medicaid waiver. This transition is consistent with OMH’s patient-centered approach to care with an emphasis on recovery.

  • Support High-Need Individuals. The Budget provides an additional $12.5 million for certain individuals living in transitional adult homes in New York City who wish to transition to more integrated settings in the community.

  • Invest in Infrastructure. The FY 2020 Budget included $100 million in appropriation authority to support the replacement of the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in Orange County, which includes buildings over 100 years old that are not designed for current standards of care. The Executive Budget provides a second $100 million appropriation for this purpose. The Budget also includes $60 million to maintain and preserve community-based residential facilities that allow people with mental illness to live in the most integrated setting possible.

  • Establish Jail-Based Restoration Programs for Certain Defendants. The FY 2021 Executive Budget establishes the authority to provide mental health restoration services to inmates in jail awaiting trial. Currently, defendants who are deemed incompetent to stand trial are treated at an OMH inpatient psychiatric hospital until they are restored to competency and returned to jail to await trial. This cycle often repeats itself with multiple inpatient stays at a psychiatric hospital, extending the time individuals are detained prior to trial. OMH will work with counties on a voluntary basis to develop specialized residential treatment units within their jails, ultimately reducing the time individuals with mental illness spend in jail awaiting justice. This program has been identified as a best practice by the National Judicial College and has been implemented successfully in nine other states including California, Colorado, and Virginia.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Program Highlights

New York State has a large, multi-faceted, public mental health system that serves more than 800,000 individuals each year. OMH operates psychiatric centers across the State, and regulates, certifies and oversees more than 4,500 programs, which are operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies. These programs fall into four major categories:

  • State Operated Services: OMH operates two world-renowned Research Institutes and 22 psychiatric centers that provide over 3,800 inpatient beds for Adult, Children and Youth, Forensic, and Sex Offender populations. The agency also runs over 80 outpatient clinics, roughly 1,300 residential beds, and a range of community programs in State prison settings. As part of their ongoing transformation efforts, OMH continues to transition individuals with mental illness to more integrated community-based settings. These efforts have allowed OMH to decrease State operated census and workforce over the last five years without compromising clinical care.

  • Adult Residential Programs: For individuals with mental illness, safe and affordable housing is an essential element of recovery. OMH oversees a large array of adult housing resources and residential habilitation programs in New York State, including congregate treatment, licensed apartments, single room residences, and supported housing. Each residential setting is designed to provide the supports and services necessary for individuals to live in the least restrictive setting possible.

  • Adult Non-Residential Programs: OMH contracts with local governments and not-for-profit agencies to provide community-based services and supports for individuals with mental illness. The agency supports outpatient programs, including clinic treatment, crisis intervention, emergency services, advocacy and support, and other community services that promote recovery.

  • Children and Youth Programs: OMH oversees a variety of programs to support children and youth, and their families, including inpatient programs, residential treatment facilities, and community-based services and supports.
ALL FUNDS
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Category Available
FY 2020
Appropriations
Recommended
FY 2021
Change From
FY 2020
Reappropriations
Recommended
FY 2021
State Operations 2,286,733,000 2,274,533,000 (12,200,000) 3,648,000
Aid To Localities 1,582,571,500 1,645,317,000 62,745,500 59,926,500
Capital Projects 534,472,000 534,472,000 0 3,127,979,000
Total 4,403,776,500 4,454,322,000 50,545,500 3,191,553,500

ALL FUND TYPES
PROJECTED LEVELS OF EMPLOYMENT BY PROGRAM
FILLED ANNUAL SALARIED POSITIONS
Program FY 2020
Estimated FTEs
03/31/20
FY 2021
Estimated FTEs
03/31/21
FTE Change
Administration and Finance
General Fund 275 265 (10)
Special Revenue Funds - Federal 11 11 0
Internal Service Funds 10 10 0
Adult Services
General Fund 8,269 7,587 (682)
Capital Planning
Capital Projects Funds - Other 683 683 0
Children and Youth Services
General Fund 1,393 1,393 0
Forensic Services
General Fund 2,709 2,669 (40)
Research in Mental Illness
General Fund 407 399 (8)
Secure Treatment
General Fund 0 635 635
Total 13,757 13,652 (105)

STATE OPERATIONS
ALL FUNDS FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS BY FUND TYPE
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Fund Type Available
FY 2020
Recommended
FY 2021
Change
Enterprise Funds 8,606,000 8,606,000 0
General Fund 2,255,535,000 2,243,335,000 (12,200,000)
Internal Service Funds 2,597,000 2,597,000 0
Special Revenue Funds - Federal 2,513,000 2,513,000 0
Special Revenue Funds - Other 17,482,000 17,482,000 0
Total 2,286,733,000 2,274,533,000 (12,200,000)

STATE OPERATIONS
ALL FUNDS FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS BY PROGRAM
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Program Available
FY 2020
Recommended
FY 2021
Change
Administration and Finance
Enterprise Funds 8,606,000 8,606,000 0
General Fund 92,567,000 89,067,000 (3,500,000)
Internal Service Funds 2,597,000 2,597,000 0
Special Revenue Funds - Federal 2,513,000 2,513,000 0
Special Revenue Funds - Other 4,402,000 4,402,000 0
Adult Services
General Fund 1,492,506,000 1,401,105,000 (91,401,000)
Special Revenue Funds - Other 5,850,000 5,850,000 0
Children and Youth Services
General Fund 248,263,000 248,263,000 0
Forensic Services
General Fund 331,957,000 330,257,000 (1,700,000)
Research in Mental Illness
General Fund 90,242,000 89,742,000 (500,000)
Special Revenue Funds - Other 7,230,000 7,230,000 0
Secure Treatment
General Fund 0 84,901,000 84,901,000
Total 2,286,733,000 2,274,533,000 (12,200,000)

STATE OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF PERSONAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED
(dollars)
Program Total Personal Service Regular
(Annual Salaried)
Amount Change Amount Change
Administration and Finance 38,960,000 (500,000) 37,876,000 (486,000)
Adult Services 720,045,000 (49,300,000) 669,524,000 (41,699,000)
Children and Youth Services 137,499,000 0 125,452,000 0
Forensic Services 196,255,000 (1,500,000) 164,618,000 (1,258,000)
Research in Mental Illness 48,416,000 (500,000) 47,475,000 (490,000)
Secure Treatment 46,800,000 46,800,000 39,388,000 39,388,000
Total 1,187,975,000 (5,000,000) 1,084,333,000 (4,545,000)
STATE OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF PERSONAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED CONTINUED
(dollars)
Program Temporary Service
(Nonannual Salaried)
Holiday/Overtime Pay
Amount Change Amount Change
Administration and Finance 830,000 (11,000) 254,000 (3,000)
Adult Services 3,761,000 (1,016,000) 46,760,000 (6,585,000)
Children and Youth Services 2,464,000 0 9,583,000 0
Forensic Services 2,378,000 (18,000) 29,259,000 (224,000)
Research in Mental Illness 77,000 (1,000) 864,000 (9,000)
Secure Treatment 1,000,000 1,000,000 6,412,000 6,412,000
Total 10,510,000 (46,000) 93,132,000 (409,000)

STATE OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF NONPERSONAL SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE UNDISTRIBUTED
APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED
(dollars)
Program Total Supplies and Materials
Amount Change Amount Change
Administration and Finance 50,107,000 (3,000,000) 1,003,000 (115,000)
Adult Services 681,060,000 (42,101,000) 88,291,000 (6,209,000)
Children and Youth Services 110,764,000 0 12,973,000 0
Forensic Services 134,002,000 (200,000) 11,464,000 (115,000)
Research in Mental Illness 41,326,000 0 3,787,000 0
Secure Treatment 38,101,000 38,101,000 4,498,000 4,498,000
Total 1,055,360,000 (7,200,000) 122,016,000 (1,941,000)
STATE OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF NONPERSONAL SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE UNDISTRIBUTED
APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED CONTINUED
(dollars)
Program Travel Contractual Services
Amount Change Amount Change
Administration and Finance 878,000 (101,000) 23,598,000 (2,702,000)
Adult Services 2,382,000 (114,000) 117,411,000 (3,816,000)
Children and Youth Services 680,000 0 14,215,000 0
Forensic Services 594,000 (6,000) 6,831,000 (69,000)
Research in Mental Illness 30,000 0 8,025,000 0
Secure Treatment 69,000 69,000 1,620,000 1,620,000
Total 4,633,000 (152,000) 171,700,000 (4,967,000)
STATE OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF NONPERSONAL SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE UNDISTRIBUTED
APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED CONTINUED
(dollars)
Program Equipment General State Charges
Amount Change Amount Change
Administration and Finance 718,000 (82,000) 22,788,000 0
Adult Services 2,184,000 (469,000) 447,671,000 (29,887,000)
Children and Youth Services 864,000 0 78,182,000 0
Forensic Services 990,000 (10,000) 108,767,000 0
Research in Mental Illness 300,000 0 27,814,000 0
Secure Treatment 421,000 421,000 29,887,000 29,887,000
Total 5,477,000 (140,000) 715,109,000 0
STATE OPERATIONS - GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF NONPERSONAL SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE UNDISTRIBUTED
APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED CONTINUED
(dollars)
Program Special Departmental Charges
Amount Change
Administration and Finance 1,122,000 0
Adult Services 23,121,000 (1,606,000)
Children and Youth Services 3,850,000 0
Forensic Services 5,356,000 0
Research in Mental Illness 1,370,000 0
Secure Treatment 1,606,000 1,606,000
Total 36,425,000 0

STATE OPERATIONS - OTHER THAN GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED
(dollars)
Program Total Personal Service
Amount Change Amount Change
Administration and Finance 18,118,000 0 3,044,000 0
Adult Services 5,850,000 0 0 0
Research in Mental Illness 7,230,000 0 1,915,000 0
Total 31,198,000 0 4,959,000 0
STATE OPERATIONS - OTHER THAN GENERAL FUND
SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS AND CHANGES
FY 2021 RECOMMENDED CONTINUED
(dollars)
Program Nonpersonal Service
Amount Change
Administration and Finance 15,074,000 0
Adult Services 5,850,000 0
Research in Mental Illness 5,315,000 0
Total 26,239,000 0

AID TO LOCALITIES
ALL FUNDS FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS BY FUND TYPE
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Fund Type Available
FY 2020
Recommended
FY 2021
Change
General Fund 1,518,370,500 1,581,116,000 62,745,500
Special Revenue Funds - Federal 56,421,000 56,421,000 0
Special Revenue Funds - Other 7,780,000 7,780,000 0
Total 1,582,571,500 1,645,317,000 62,745,500

AID TO LOCALITIES
ALL FUNDS FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS BY PROGRAM
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Program Available
FY 2020
Recommended
FY 2021
Change
Adult Services
General Fund 1,271,053,500 1,333,799,000 62,745,500
Special Revenue Funds - Federal 48,905,000 48,905,000 0
Special Revenue Funds - Other 7,780,000 7,780,000 0
Children and Youth Services
General Fund 247,317,000 247,317,000 0
Special Revenue Funds - Federal 7,516,000 7,516,000 0
Total 1,582,571,500 1,645,317,000 62,745,500

CAPITAL PROJECTS
ALL FUNDS FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS BY PROGRAM
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Comprehensive Construction Program Available
FY 2020
Recommended
FY 2021
Change Reappropriations
FY 2021
Community Mental Health Facilities
Capital Projects Fund 6,000,000 6,000,000 0 46,751,000
MH Capital Improvements - Authority Bonds 65,722,000 65,722,000 0 555,323,000
Executive Direction
Capital Projects Fund 0 0 0 2,445,000
Maintenance and Improvements of Existing Facilities
Capital Projects Fund 0 0 0 3,223,000
MH Capital Improvements - Authority Bonds 0 0 0 936,556,000
Non-Bondable Projects
Capital Projects Fund 1,000,000 1,000,000 0 6,045,000
State Mental Health Facilities
Capital Projects Fund 86,750,000 86,750,000 0 146,956,000
MH Capital Improvements - Authority Bonds 375,000,000 375,000,000 0 1,430,680,000
Total 534,472,000 534,472,000 0 3,127,979,000

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/29/2020

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