Opinion: The future of mental health in NYC

New York City is at a crossroads – facing a mental health crisis that demands bold, transformative action. As Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the State of the State on Tuesday, it is critically important for us to prioritize New Yorkers' mental health. We cannot settle for outdated solutions when the stakes are this high. It’s time for innovative, compassionate leadership that reimagines public safety and mental health services through the lenses of justice, equity, and real community care.

I am running for the City Council because the urgent priorities of our community require trusted leadership and a robust vision for our future. We’re not just promising to address mental health and public safety – we’re committed to making it happen. That is why I’m releasing HEAL NYC, a comprehensive framework and policy plan to address the mental health crisis facing our city. A safer, more compassionate New York City isn’t a dream – it’s within our reach.

Our vision begins with an uncompromising commitment to New Yorkers struggling with the dual challenges of mental health and substance use disorders. The status quo has failed them. We must supercharge investment in care facilities that provide holistic mental health support. By expanding beds and infusing these programs with the resources they need, we can break the destructive cycle of neglect and deliver a system that empowers every New Yorker.

But care doesn’t stop at treatment – it starts with a foundation of dignity. Housing is a human right, and a just New York City begins with safe, stable homes for all. We must boldly double the development of supportive housing units for our unhoused neighbors grappling with mental health struggles. These apartments will provide on-site support, creating a safety net that ensures no one slips through the cracks. 

Accountability must be the cornerstone of our public institutions. Releasing vulnerable individuals without coordinated, community-centered plans is not only reckless – it’s dangerous. Ramon Rivera, who had a history of mental illness, was released from Rikers without a comprehensive plan and then missed a check-in with a case manager. Days later, he went on a murderous rampage in Manhattan. We cannot allow preventable tragedies, like Ramon Rivera, to continue. Every person transitioning from our hospitals, jails and shelters must have a clear, actionable roadmap: secure housing, medication management, ongoing mental health support and pathways to employment. This is how we protect public safety while uplifting human dignity.

We need to amplify and modernize the Street Homeless Outreach and Wellness program. Scaling up vans and deploying expertly trained staff who can prescribe medication and provide ongoing support in the streets will transform our streets from hot spots of crisis into hubs of healing. Additionally, it’s time to expand B-HEARD – New York’s mental health emergency response team – citywide. Mental health crises are public health matters, not criminal issues. By training more mental health professionals and 911 operators, we ensure compassionate, effective responses every time. Our NYPD officers deserve relief from roles they weren’t trained for, and our communities deserve expert care.

Seamless collaboration across city agencies isn’t optional – it’s essential. Together, we can deliver mental health services that are truly effective, integrated, and centered on community wellness.

Let’s build it. Let’s lead it. Let’s get it done – together.