NYS Office of Mental Health 5-year Plan

December 2002

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) released its 5-year plan in the past week that satisfies the requirements established by the state Legislature. Below is a summary of the plan.

Summary

The Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services has been developed in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law Section 5.07, and continues the mission of the Office of Mental Health (OMH) as one of creating opportunities for persons with psychiatric disabilities to safely and effectively work toward recovery using services that are individualized, culturally relevant, flexible, measurable and high quality. This Plan provides an understanding of New York State's public mental health system, the OMH priorities, the key services that have been proven effective, and OMH's effort to continually improve the qualities of these services. Central to the mission and vision of the Office of Mental Health is the recognition that persons with psychiatric disabilities can and do recover, and that services can be designed to enhance that process.

Themes

The Office of Mental Health is continuing to utilize three overarching themes that have been adopted as a guide for all actions taken to support its mission, vision and values. Known as the ABC's of mental health care, they are: Accountability, Best Practices and Coordination of Care.

The OMH Direction - Strategies for Change

The Office of Mental Health has identified the following strategies:

• Applying research to real world settings. The best outcomes are achieved when evidence-based practices are made available to recipients in combination and when accountability for the coordination of delivery is fixed at the local governmental level.

• Incorporating knowledge and training in evidence-based practices. The system-wide use of evidence-based practices calls for modifying the behavior of many clinicians and providers. Widespread dissemination of research findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of interventions is needed, as is the widespread availability of technical assistance.

• Demonstrating system-wide effectiveness. To understand what services and treatments work best and for whom, and to build public support for new investments in services, it is essential that data on outcomes be measured and the results used to inform decision-making.

• Recipient and family involvement in the planning and delivery of services. The agency recognizes that recipient experiences, knowledge and perspectives add a dimension that results in more effective services. Families and friends provide significant support and coordination of services for individuals diagnosed with a mental illness, and for children diagnosed with serious emotional disturbances.

• Expansion of the role of local government. The plan focuses on the partnerships between the Office of Mental Health and local governments in developing and operating the community service system, regulatory reform and mandate relief, monitoring and quality assurance, and support technology and information for local governments.

• Further implementation of the New Initiatives for adults and children. Adult services initiatives continue the focus on case management, transitional residences, supported housing, and oversight and supervision. Children's services initiatives continue to expand community-based services including home and community based waiver slots, case management, transitional services, family-based treatment, family support services and school-based initiatives.

• Integrating cultural competence. It is necessary to understand the different service populations and to meet their various language needs. Linkages with varied communities must be developed and nurtured. In addition, behaviors learned through cultural experience are often misinterpreted.

• Information System Infrastructure. An integrated information system that is accessible to State and local mental health authorities and allows for rapid ad-hoc querying of an expanding array of service use.

For a full understanding of the 5-year plan, the Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services: 2002-2006 can be viewed or downloaded at the OMH web site http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/statewideplan. You may also obtain up to 3 copies by faxing your request, including your name, mailing address and number of copies needed to (518) 473-4690. For further information, contact: Office of Mental Health, 44 Holland Ave., Albany NY 12229, 518-474-6502.