Welcome to Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. (MHANYS)

MHANYS is a not-for-profit organization that works to end the stigma against mental illness and promotes mental health wellness in New York State. MHANYS achieves this through training, education, advocacy and policy, community-based partnership programming, and by connecting individuals and families to help.

Thank you to all who attended this year’s Awards Dinner & Conference!

Presentation slides from the conference can be found here.

Effective July 1, 2018 New York schools are required by law to provide instruction in mental health to all elementary, middle and high school students.  The new law amends section 804 of Article 17 of State Education Law and applies to all public and private schools under the jurisdiction of the New York State Education Department (SED).  Section 804 of the law pertains to health education, which schools have been required to provide for several decades and includes subject matter such as the early detection of certain cancers and alcohol, tobacco and substance use.  The new law adds mental health to the legally mandated components of health instruction.

A School Mental Health Resource and Training Center has been established by the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.(MHANYS) to help schools comply with the new law.  The Center provides free online mental health training (CTLE-eligible) and instructional resources for educators, as well as mental health resources for parents and guardians, students and community-based mental health providers.  For more information about the Center please visit www.mentalhealthednys.org.

• Mental Health Education in New York Schools  – A review of legislative history, intent, and vision for implementation. MHANYS report on mental health education in New York Schools.
• Syndicated TV Show, The Doctors, did a segment on mental health education in schools on Friday, April 27th, highlighting that New York is the first state in the nation to have this law. Here is the link: www.thedoctorstv.com/videos/mental-health-education-schools