May is Mental Health Awareness Month throughout New York State.

Governor Kathy Hochul made the proclamation on May 1, directing 15 state buildings and landmarks to be illuminated in green at dusk to raise awareness around mental health and behavioral health care.

“Nearly every New Yorker has either experienced or known someone who has struggled with a mental health challenge,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, as we mark Mental Health Awareness Month in New York, we acknowledge these struggles, commit to eliminating stigma, and renew our efforts to ensure that people are best equipped to lead happy, productive lives.”

The recently adopted fiscal year 2025 state budget includes $20 million to continue expanding school-based mental health clinic satellites, $19 million to provide critical care to young people outside of school environments, $33 million to build supports for individuals living with a mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system, and $55 million to add 200 inpatient beds at state-operated psychiatric centers, state officials say.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Mental Health Awareness Month provides us with an opportunity to engage in conversations about mental illness, reduce stigma, and encourage New Yorkers of all ages to know they can get the help they need, when and where they need it.  Anyone can call 988 and speak with a counselor anytime day or night. Governor Hochul continues to make mental health a priority and has dramatically expanded care for all New Yorkers, especially those most in need.”

Key initiatives like Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams, which provide wraparound services and support to young people at risk of entering residential or inpatient psychiatric treatment, will be expanded with $9.6 million to continue serving them at home and within their community whenever possible. An additional $4 million will support a loan forgiveness program specifically for licensed mental health clinicians serving children and families.