Take Action Now! Call State leaders to prioritize children’s mental health.
Join us in urging state leaders to support a future where no child is on a waitlist to receive behavioral health services, and where every child receives the care they need, when they need it.
Hundreds of thousands of children across the state fail to receive the mental health and substance use services (behavioral health care) they need. The consequences of this unmet need can be devastating for young people, families, and communities.
That is why we are urging state leaders to commit $200 million to the children’s behavioral health outpatient system to address the severe workforce crisis and fully fund the system to ensure children and families can access timely, high-quality services.
Take a few minutes to call your representatives!
Call-In Script
Introduction:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City/Town]. I am calling today to urge [Senator/Assemblymember/Governor] [Last Name] to prioritize youth mental health in the upcoming state budget.
Key Ask:
I am asking for their support of a $195 million investment in youth mental health and coverage parity to ensure that children and teens can access the mental health care they need, regardless of their insurance provider.
Why It Matters:
- Youth mental health is in crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among young people have skyrocketed, and too many families struggle to access timely care.
- The $200 million investment will expand access to services—including school-based mental health supports, community providers, and crisis intervention services—so kids can get help before they reach a crisis.
Personal Impact (Optional):
If comfortable, share a personal story about why this issue matters to you—whether as a parent, educator, provider, or advocate.
Closing Ask:
Will [Senator/Assemblymember/Govenor] [Last Name] support this investment and commit to ensuring parity for youth mental health coverage in the final budget?
Thank You:
Thank you for your time and for prioritizing the mental health needs of New York’s children. I appreciate your leadership on this critical issue.
State Leaders to Call:
Governor Kathy Hochul: (518) 474-8390
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: (518) 455-2585
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: (518) 455-3791
Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk: 518-455-2215
Senate Mental Health Chair Jo Ann Simon: 518-455-5426
Still Feeling Energized? Call the offices below!
These are legislators responsible for making budget decisions around behavioral health in this year’s budget. Make sure to mention if you are a constituent of the legislator – you can find your State Legislators here to check.
Senator Rivera (Chair of Health Committee): (518) 455-3395
Assembly Member Paulin (Chair of Health Committee): (518) 455-5585
Senator Krueger (Chair of Finance Committee): (518) 455-2297
Assembly Member Pretlow (Chair of Ways and Means Committee): (518) 455-5291