May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. With data indicating more and more people are living with a mental health issue, starting these conversations promotes understanding and compassion while reassuring those affected that they are not alone.
On May 1, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month in New York State and directed state buildings and landmarks to be illuminated in green – the color symbolizing mental health awareness. The Governor has highlighted investments made into strengthening the state’s system of care since launching her $1 billion mental health initiative in 2023. These investments have resulted in significant improvements, including the largest expansion of capacity at state-operated psychiatric centers in years, the availability of more beds at community-based hospitals, and an expansion of outpatient and prevention services.
New York State has added 875 psychiatric beds, established 13 new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (with another 13 expected this summer), and created 43 new Assertive Community Treatment teams to provide services to individuals within their communities. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is also posting a video to social media each week in May to highlight individual stories of recovery from mental illness and has compiled a list of public events to raise mental health awareness. Learn more about these statewide resources here.
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DoHMH) also offers resources for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. NYC residents can access free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance misuse support through NYC 988, which is available 24/7 via phone call (988), text (988), or online chat. DoHMH also provides specialized information on various mental health conditions and resources including:
- Depression
- Postpartum depression
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Mobile Crisis Teams that can provide mental health services in people’s homes
- Crisis Respite Centers offering alternatives to hospitalization for people experiencing emotional crises
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Emergency & Crisis Services
For more information about mental health resources and services, please visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website or a compiled list of NYC resources here.
