NYC: Mayor Adams launches school mental health initiative, opens 16 clinics across Bronx, Brooklyn

In a significant move aimed at bolstering mental health support for students, Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals have announced plans to establish 16 new mental health clinics within New York City public schools. These clinics, part of a broader $5 million initiative, will cater to over 6,000 students across the Bronx and Central Brooklyn, providing crucial access to therapy and support services.

The initiative, part of Mayor Adams’ mental health agenda titled “Care, Community, Action: A Mental Health Plan for New York City,” reflects a strategic effort to address the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of young people. The clinics will offer a range of services including individual, family, and group therapy, alongside connections to outpatient care and telehealth services.

Mayor Adams highlighted the importance of investing in student mental health, emphasizing the proactive approach of bringing services directly into schools where they are most needed. The move underscores a broader commitment to building a healthier city by focusing on upstream solutions and preventative care.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom stressed the significance of family and youth mental health within the city’s overall health strategy. The new clinics are part of a comprehensive approach that includes initiatives like TeenSpace, offering free tele-mental health services to teenagers.

The 16 schools selected to host these satellite clinics were identified through data-driven efforts targeting areas with the highest mental health needs, aiming to serve students facing significant challenges. By integrating mental health services within schools, the initiative seeks to reduce reliance on emergency services and hospitalizations, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for students.

This ambitious endeavor builds upon ongoing efforts by the Adams administration to prioritize youth mental health, including legal action against major social media platforms for their impact on mental health. The mayor’s proactive stance aims to empower young New Yorkers and address the complex challenges of mental health in today’s digital age.