The Mental Health Crisis
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five American adults experiences mental illness each year. Yet half of all U.S. counties have no practicing psychiatrist, and the average delay between onset of mental health symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
On Long Island, the combination of high costs of living, pandemic-related stress, and the ongoing opioid crisis has intensified demand for mental health services while the supply of providers has not kept pace.
Expanding Access
Telehealth for Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that telepsychiatry and online therapy can be highly effective. Making these flexibilities permanent:
- Interstate compacts allowing providers to practice across state lines
- Insurance parity requiring equal reimbursement for telehealth
- Audio-only options for patients without reliable internet
- Asynchronous messaging therapy for mild to moderate conditions
School-Based Mental Health
Schools are where children spend most of their time, making them ideal intervention points:
- Mental health counselors in every school (not just guidance counselors)
- Social-emotional learning curriculum integrated into classes
- Crisis intervention teams trained in suicide prevention
- Parent education and family support services
Community Mental Health Centers
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) with integrated behavioral health
- Walk-in crisis centers as alternatives to emergency rooms
- Peer support specialists with lived experience
- Co-located primary care and mental health services
The national 988 hotline, launched in 2022, provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors. Local call centers need continued funding to handle increased volume and connect callers to local resources.
Workforce Solutions
| Provider Type | Expansion Strategy |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrists | Loan forgiveness, residency expansion, telehealth |
| Psychologists | Interstate practice compacts, telehealth parity |
| Social Workers | Higher Medicaid reimbursement, supervision support |
| Peer Specialists | Certification programs, Medicaid reimbursement |
| School Counselors | State funding mandates, reduced ratios |