There has been a significant amount of discussion lately regarding how to address the ongoing mental health crisis that is unfolding on the streets of our city. The safety of New Yorkers is of utmost importance, and it is crucial that they not only be safe but also feel safe in their environment.
Unfortunately, we continue to witness random attacks carried out by individuals who are in desperate need of help. It is imperative that we find solutions to provide assistance to those who are struggling with severe mental illness.
In my first year as mayor, I announced a major policy shift for the city, expanding our efforts to provide involuntary help to those in need. While this decision was initially met with controversy, the majority of New Yorkers support the expansion of involuntary commitment as a necessary measure.
Some critics argue that the focus should solely be on investing in a “continuum of care” to support individuals at all stages of their journey towards stability. However, I believe that we can both repair our broken system and provide assistance to those who are unable to recognize their own illness. Our administration has been working tirelessly to make long-overdue investments in mental health care, including the production of affordable housing, expansion of access to community resources, and the introduction of intensive mobile treatment teams.
Additionally, we have made a historic $650 million investment in addressing homelessness and severe mental illness, with the establishment of “Bridge to Home” facilities to provide supportive environments for individuals transitioning from hospital care to independent living.
Some critics argue that involuntary treatment is inhumane, but I believe it is a compassionate and necessary step when a clinical professional determines that a person’s mental illness poses a threat to themselves or others. Providing medical care and support to individuals in acute psychosis is critical to their recovery and eventual reintegration into the community.
It is important to recognize that individuals may require care even if they do not present an imminent danger. New York courts have acknowledged that untreated mental illness can prevent individuals from meeting their basic needs, leading to serious risks over time. Our outreach teams are now empowered to bring individuals into care, even involuntarily, if necessary, to ensure their well-being and recovery.
There is still work to be done, and we are advocating for reforms that explicitly state the need for care when mental illness prevents individuals from meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, or medical attention. This reform, already implemented in 48 other states, will affirm the importance of the work we are doing to support those in need of psychiatric care.
Denying individuals access to psychiatric care simply because they cannot recognize their own need for it is unjust. We must work together as a city with a compassionate heart to ensure that all individuals receive the care and support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Eric Adams is the mayor of New York City.
