Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio called for greater accountability and targeted workforce investments during a Mental Hygiene public budget hearing held in Albany, warning that increased spending has not yet translated into timely care for many New Yorkers.
Giglio, a Republican and Conservative representing Riverhead, joined lawmakers, providers, advocates and state agencies for the hearing, which examined funding priorities, service gaps and long-term capacity across New York’s mental health system.
She outlined several areas she said must be addressed in the upcoming state budget, stressing that access to care remains inconsistent and often depends on geography rather than need.
Among her top concerns were persistent workforce shortages, including vacancies among psychiatrists, therapists, nurses and direct-care workers, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Giglio said staffing gaps continue to limit access to services, drive burnout among providers and force families to wait months for appointments or travel long distances for treatment.
She also emphasized the need to expand access to crisis care, including crisis stabilization programs and mobile response teams, to ensure individuals receive treatment rather than entering the criminal justice system during mental health emergencies.
In addition, Giglio called for stronger transparency and accountability measures to confirm that state funds reach community-based providers and are used to expand capacity instead of remaining unspent.
Youth mental health was another priority, with Giglio urging expanded school-based supports and early intervention programs to address growing needs among children and adolescents statewide.
“Families across our state are struggling to access timely mental health care,” Giglio said, citing long wait times, emergency room overcrowding and limited provider availability.
She stressed that mental health funding must produce measurable improvements in access and outcomes, describing the issue as one of public safety, public health and family stability.