Understanding the New York Office of Mental Health Program Definitions

The New York Office of Mental Health (OMH) plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining standards for mental health treatment and services in New York State. Through its licensing and certification processes, the OMH ensures that programs operating within its jurisdiction meet specific quality and operational standards. These standards are outlined in the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR), specifically in Title 14, Chapter XIII, Part 587, which governs the operation of outpatient mental health programs.

This article provides an overview of key definitions, program requirements, and administrative frameworks under the OMH, with a focus on how these structures support the delivery of mental health services to individuals of all ages. The content is drawn solely from the provided source material, ensuring accuracy and alignment with official regulatory definitions.

Key Definitions and Program Structure

The regulatory framework established by the OMH includes a set of definitions that clarify the scope and structure of various mental health programs. These definitions are crucial in determining the eligibility, responsibilities, and operational parameters for each program type.

Recipient Definitions

According to the regulations, an adult is defined as an individual who is 18 years of age or older. A child, on the other hand, is defined as an individual under 18 years of age, with the inclusion of an 18-year-old individual who remains enrolled in an outpatient program designed for children with emotional disturbances.

Collateral persons are individuals who are part of the recipient’s family or household and are significantly involved in the treatment process. These individuals may include family members or close associates who play an active role in the recipient’s care plan. Their participation is essential for a comprehensive approach to treatment and is often outlined in the recipient's treatment or psychiatric rehabilitation service plan.

Program Definitions

The OMH distinguishes between various types of mental health programs, including:

Behavioral Health Organization (BHO): This is an entity selected by the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health and the Commissioner of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The BHO provides administrative and management services for the purposes of conducting concurrent reviews of behavioral health admissions to inpatient treatment settings, assisting in the coordination of behavioral health services, and facilitating the integration of such services with physical health care.
Child and Family Clinic Plus Provider: This refers to a licensed clinic that has been approved by the OMH to provide child and family clinic plus services. These services are designed to offer comprehensive mental health care for children and their families.
Concurrent Review: This process involves the clinical review of the necessity for continued inpatient behavioral health services. The outcome is a non-binding recommendation regarding whether the continuation of inpatient services is necessary.
Off-site Locations: These are community-based sites where recipients can receive outpatient services and are eligible for reimbursement. These locations provide flexibility in accessing care and accommodate the diverse needs of clients.
Program Capacity and Space: These terms define the maximum number of recipients who can be on-site at any given time and the specific space designated for the program. These parameters ensure that the program operates within safe and effective limits.
Provider of Service: This term refers to the entity that delivers mental health services under the oversight of the OMH. These providers must meet all operational and quality standards set by the Office of Mental Health.

Staffing and Professional Qualifications

The regulations emphasize the importance of having qualified and appropriately trained professionals involved in the delivery of mental health services. The staffing requirements are clearly defined to ensure that the care provided is both effective and ethical.

Professional Staff

Professional staff are individuals who possess the necessary credentials, training, and experience to provide direct services or supervision related to the treatment of mental illness. The following categories of professionals are specifically recognized:

Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC): This individual is currently credentialed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services in accordance with Part 853 of this Title.
Creative Arts Therapist: This individual is either licensed by the New York State Education Department or holds a master's degree in a mental health field from an approved program. Additionally, they must be registered or certified by recognized professional associations such as the American Art Therapy Association, American Dance Therapy Association, National Association of Music Therapy, or American Association for Music Therapy.
Marriage and Family Therapist: This individual is currently licensed by the New York State Education Department as a marriage and family therapist.
Mental Health Counselor: This individual is currently licensed by the New York State Education Department as a mental health counselor.
Registered Professional Nurse: This individual is currently licensed as a registered professional nurse by the New York State Education Department.
Rehabilitation Counselor: This individual holds either a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an approved program or is certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
Social Worker: This individual is either licensed as a licensed master social worker or a licensed clinical social worker by the New York State Education Department or holds a master’s degree in social work from an approved program.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: This individual holds either a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation from an approved program or is registered as a therapeutic recreation specialist by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society.

Additional Professional Disciplines

Other professional disciplines may be included as part of the professional staff with the prior written approval of the OMH. These individuals must have specific training or experience in the treatment of mental illness to be considered for inclusion.

Students and Trainees

Students and trainees may also qualify as part of the professional staff if they are participating in a program leading to a degree or certificate relevant to the goals of the outpatient program. These individuals must be supervised according to the policies of the training program and must be approved as part of the staffing plan by the OMH.

Licensing and Certification

The OMH is responsible for issuing and renewing operating certificates for programs that require licensing. These certificates ensure that the program meets all necessary standards for quality and safety.

Licensing Requirements

Service providers must obtain an operating certificate from the OMH before they can operate a facility or program that falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Office of Mental Health. This process includes a Prior Approval Review and an unannounced inspection as part of the certification and renewal process.

Exemptions and Waivers

Some residential and non-residential programs do not require licensing, as determined by the OMH. These exemptions are outlined in the definitions of licensed program types and are subject to specific criteria.

Conclusion

The New York Office of Mental Health plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and accessibility of mental health services through its comprehensive regulatory framework. The definitions and operational standards outlined in Title 14, Chapter XIII, Part 587 provide a clear structure for the delivery of mental health care to individuals of all ages. These standards help to ensure that programs are staffed by qualified professionals, operate within defined capacities, and meet the necessary quality and safety requirements.

By maintaining these standards, the OMH supports the provision of effective and ethical mental health care, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the population it serves.