De Blasio proposes millions in new mental health services
Over 80 schools would get mental health clinics, every police precinct would have a victims’ advocate and social workers would arrange psychological care for thousands of families in homeless shelters under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to invest tens of millions of dollars in mental health, his wife’s signature issue.
The proposal, which first lady Chirlane McCray unveiled Tuesday, comes as New York seeks to become a national model for cities to address mental health needs. She’s spearheading an effort to draw a full-fledged plan, expected this fall.
For now, de Blasio’s administration wants to add over $54 million in mental health programs next fiscal year, rising above $78 million in the following years. It’s part of a budget proposal that will head into negotiations with the City Council; a final budget is due by the end of June.