New York boosts funding for mental health treatment program

New York boosts funding for mental health treatment program describes state changes to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) supported by the FY 2026 Budget. The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) says it is enhancing AOT through statutory updates and investments, including standardized “Enhanced Voluntary Agreements” for diversionary options, a strengthened monitoring approach, and $16.5 million in annual funding to improve coordination among counties and providers. Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said the measures aim to provide better community-based care for people with serious mental illness who may struggle to live safely in their communities. The budget also adds $2 million for training and oversight of AOT services and upgrades data reporting via a new “AOT Workspace” monitoring database for real-time tracking. OMH says AOT reduces psychiatric hospitalization, incarceration, and homelessness by more than two-thirds among participants, while improving engagement and reducing harmful behaviors after six months. AOT, created under Kendra’s Law in 1999, can be mandated by judges for compliance with treatment plans.