Alliance Alert: Current proposals to expand involuntary commitment fail to address the root causes of New York’s mental health crisis. The reality is that our system is deeply underfunded, fragmented, and lacking in voluntary community-based services that are fully funded, coordinated, and accountable. Simply increasing the use of forced treatment does not solve the real issue: the need for accessible, voluntary mental health services that help people before they reach a crisis point.
Far too often, people with mental health challenges are unfairly labeled as violent, but this is a dangerous and false narrative. Research consistently shows that individuals with mental health challenges are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Instead of pushing coercive policies that further stigmatize and push people away from services, New York must invest in proven, voluntary solutions that empower individuals and support their long-term recovery.
New York already has models that work, including Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET), Peer Bridger programs, Housing First initiatives, and Clubhouse expansion—many of which have been funded by the Governor and Legislature. These services must be scaled up, not overshadowed by coercion-driven policies.
Alliance CEO Harvey Rosenthal, along with MHANYS Executive Director Glenn Liebman, recently addressed these issues on Capital Tonight, advocating for the implementation of Incident Review Panels to examine critical incidents, improve oversight, and ensure system accountability. He also highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in community-based services. Our advocacy continues today, with Harvey testifying at the Legislature’s mental health budget hearing to push for these necessary changes.
We urge our community to stay engaged by monitoring the Alliance Enews for updates on our upcoming Legislative Day on March 4th and regional forums, where we will continue organizing for real solutions that protect rights, promote recovery, and strengthen our mental health system. See below for last night’s Capital Tonight interview.
N.Y. Mental Health Advocates Offer Alternative Solutions to Involuntary Commitment
By Susan Arbetter | Capital Tonight | February 4, 2025
According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the recent surge in violent crimes in New York City have involved people with serious untreated mental illness — a failure, she says, to get treatment to people who are homeless and disconnected from the mental health care system.
Hochul went on to state that New Yorkers have a duty to protect the public from random acts of violence, and the only fair and compassionate thing to do is “get our fellow New Yorkers the help they need.”
To that end, the governor has proposed expanding the use of involuntary commitment, as well as pledging $1 billion for mental health services.
But two long-time mental health advocates, Harvey Rosenthal, CEO Alliance for Rights and Recovery, and Glenn Liebman, chief executive officer the Mental Health Association, argue that the way the mental health crisis is being characterized by Hochul and others is fanning the public’s fears, and creating less public safety, not more.
Instead of expanding involuntary commitment, the advocates are hoping to see a 7.8% rate hike for all mental health agencies in the state; the governor offered a 2.1% rate hike in her executive budget proposal.
They are also advocating for the implementation of incident review panel, voluntary engagement, crisis/hospital/jail diversion programs and peer-led INSET outreach teams.
Some of these programs, they argue, have been around for a long time, but haven’t been properly funded or utilized.
Rosenthal and Liebman joined Susan Arbetter on Capital Tonight to discuss the issues.
Watch the full interview here: Mental health advocates discuss involuntary commitment