Governor Hochul Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Educate New Yorkers on Access to Behavioral Health Treatment

February 28, 2026 - 05:07

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a major statewide public awareness initiative aimed at informing residents of their rights to accessible behavioral healthcare. The campaign, titled 'Real Care, Real Access to Behavioral Health Services,' focuses on educating the public about existing regulations designed to break down barriers to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

Central to the effort is clarifying two key mandates for qualifying health plans. First, insurers must provide access to an initial outpatient behavioral health appointment within ten business days of a patient's request. Second, the regulations require insurance companies to actively assist their members in navigating the system to obtain the care they are entitled to receive.

The initiative seeks to empower New Yorkers by ensuring they understand these protections. Many residents may be unaware that these rules exist, potentially leading to unnecessary delays in receiving critical care. By broadcasting this information through a multimedia campaign, the state aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, holding insurers accountable while giving individuals the knowledge to advocate for themselves and their families in seeking timely treatment.