New York Aims to Increase Access to Services

Families of children and teens with mental or behavioral health needs may soon have better access to care.

In 2022, parents in New York filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming that the process of receiving Medicaid behavioral and mental health services for children was complex, slow, and often failed to provide the necessary support.

The state has now proposed a class action settlement to expand access to these services. 

The agreement, between the Department of Health (DOH) and Office of Mental Health (OMH), requires the state to improve availability of crucial support, including:

• Intensive Care Coordination (ICC): A single point of contact to help families plan and coordinate care across systems.
• Intensive Home-Based Behavioral Health Services (IHBBHS): In-home therapy and behavioral support for children and caregivers.
• Mobile Crisis Services: 24/7 response teams that help stabilize a child in crisis and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.

The overarching goal is to strengthen systems, increase provider capacity, and increase statewide access, so children can receive help at home instead of in institutions.

Read the full notice:

Hamaspik remains a committed provider of services, helping parents navigate the complexity of accessing services and support.