Advocates call on Hochul for more funding to address child mental health

Mental health advocates across New York are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to boost funding for child mental health services within the governor’s executive budget. A virtual rally hosted by the Campaign for Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids last week in support of the cause pushed for committing $500 million of $1 billion in behavioral health funding proposed in the budget to behavioral health services for children and families. The campaign also called for an increase in behavioral support providers, an end to discriminatory practices committed by commercial plans and greater support for mental health in schools.

“Providers are challenged with workforce shortages, delayed reimbursement and lack of appropriate funding in a demoralized, overworked workforce, doing all they can to cover their positions as well as vacant positions to provide children and families services,” said Shannon Zelinsky, board member of the New York State Coalition for Children's Behavioral Health, which participated in the campaign. 

“In many cases, this is not even possible, and waitlists continue to grow. Providers are committed to seek improvement for staff and chill and staff and the children and families being served. Increased funding is necessary to fund services and pay staff livable wages, mental health employees should not need to work multiple jobs to survive.”

In New York, 20% of children between two and 17-years-old have one or more emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions, and the percentage of children who have anxiety or depression in New York continues to soar. Additionally, death by suicide is the second leading cause of death among those ages 15 to 19 statewide. 

“The reason many of us are sensitive and process our emotions is because the past generation did not get a chance to do so or did not want to. Sensitivity is strength,” said Mashrafi Anwar, a youth advocate. 

“So, to all of the adults here, instead of fighting back against us, please take my words as an opportunity to turn a new leaf, a new leaf considering how you all can understand before assuming, put your pride aside and find ways to break the cycle and provide us with the resources we truly and deeply need,” he added. “When you all go back home, please ask the child or children in your life, how they are doing and if there is any way you can be there for them in the way they need it. Please help provide the tools for us to be sensitive. Allow us to hone our strength and sensitivity.”

Last November, Hochul committed $3.3 million to expand mental health services for youth and recently expanded this funding. 

Meanwhile, children’s mental health services have been in crisis since the pandemic, especially impacting children of color. Advocates hope to bring more awareness to this issue and bring policy changes to ensure youth receive the services they need.