Mission

The Office of Mental Health is the New York State government agency which creates opportunities for children and adults who have psychiatric disabilities to safely and effectively work toward recovery. These opportunities shall:

• reflect the expectation that each person can recover from mental illness;
• be provided in a changing health care environment characterized by comprehensive formal service networks organized at the local level;
• provide for full, open and meaningful participation of people who use services in all aspects of service provision, planning and policy making; and
• encourage a holistic approach to individuals and families through a balanced array of medical, therapeutic, self-help, social, supportive and rehabilitative services. his approach shall include:
• individualized services which respect dignity, cultural differences and autonomy of the people using services in a manner which minimizes coercion and maximizes choice;
• flexible services which are responsive to measurable outcomes and user satisfaction; and
• quality services, based on the highest standards of research, provided in a cost efficient and effective manner.

Vision

The New York State Office of Mental Health will foster the development of an integrated system of effective mental health and related services to promote the mental health of citizens of New York State while emphasizing the recovery of those with significant psychiatric disabilities.