De Blasio to create mental health council as part of ThriveNYC plan

* Originally on POLITICO by Dan Goldberg | Mar. 31, 2016 Mayor Bill de Blasio will today sign an executive order establishing the Mental Health Council, which will coordinate efforts to confront mental health challenges across several agencies. The council will be led by Deputy Mayor Richard Buery and First Lady Chirlane McCray, whose ThriveNYC… View Article

A Statement on the Passing of Marvin Spieler

It is with great sadness that the staff of MHA-NYC announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Marvin Spieler. Throughout his life, Marvin was an outspoken advocate for all those with mental illness and championed recovery for all people living with behavioral health needs. Marvin, one our very first employees, supported the development… View Article

Annual Mental Health Policy Breakfast: Honoring Patrick J. Kennedy

The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy was honored by MHA-NYC at their Annual Mental Health Policy Breakfast on October 29th. A former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and one of the nation’s leading political voices on mental illness, addiction, and other brain diseases, he is the co-author of “A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey… View Article

MHA Q&A with Kathryn Salisbury: iHelp New York

What is iHelp New York? iHelp New York gives New Yorkers access to free, confidential and effective online cognitive behavioral therapy programs, or CBT for short. CBT is a tried, tested and effective way for people to improve their emotional well-being. iHelp is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere there is… View Article

Great News: New Yorkers can now text the HOPEline!

I would like to share some exciting news about the New York State HOPEline addiction referral and support service. Thanks to the partnership between MHA-NYC and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), New Yorkers are now able to text HOPEline counselors to receive help whenever and wherever they need… View Article

MHA Q&A with Lisa Furst: Mental Health First Aid

What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid training gives people a way to help others who may be experiencing emotional distress or a psychiatric crisis.  It introduces people to risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use problems, and teaches them how to help people get the care they… View Article

New York’s First Lady Chirlane McCray and Daughter Chiara de Blasio Announce “Teen Text” Mental Health Initiative

New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray, her daughter Chiara de Blasio and First Deputy Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot have announced the launch of Teen Text, a new mental health resource for teens at 10 high schools throughout New York City. Teens at these schools can text “NYC Teen” to 65173 to receive prompt,… View Article

Stories We Carry – Bridging the Gap Among Veterans and Civilians

This Veterans Day and beyond, MHA-NYC encourages civilians and veterans to come together in community to share the burdens of war and create a safe space to discuss the ways in which war impacts us all. When Josh left the Army in 2004, after four years in the service, he struggled with the transition process… View Article

Two Years Later Sandy Survivors Cope With Emotional Distress By Signing Up For iHelp: Sandy Stress Relief

Two years ago, on October 29th, Superstorm Sandy made landfall and forever changed the lives of New Yorkers and residents from the surrounding areas. During an emotional, yet informative press conference on the storm’s anniversary, MHA-NYC announced its efforts to help Superstorm Sandy survivors recover from emotional distress with the launch of iHelp: Sandy Stress… View Article