New York is rolling out a statewide effort to build the mental health workforce, starting with a new survey aimed at people already in the field.
The New York State Office of Mental Health wants feedback to shape an online hub that connects job seekers with mental health careers across the state.
State officials released the short, 10-minute survey this week. They say it will guide the design of a website that highlights careers, training paths, and open jobs in New York’s public mental health system.
“Our continued efforts to strengthen New York’s mental health care system depend on having a robust, skilled workforce at the ready,” Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “The website we are developing with input from mental health professionals and service providers will offer an exciting presentation of careers in this field, along with a pathway for job seekers to connect with prospective employers in communities throughout our state.”
What the new website will include
The planned site will lay out clear paths to both licensed and unlicensed mental health careers. It will also spotlight different programs, professions, and work settings across New York.
Officials say the site will feature videos and stories from people already working in the field. A job search tool will link users to openings by county and profession.
OMH will host a webinar from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, to explain the project and answer questions.
Part of a $2.5 million campaign
The website is one piece of a $2.5 million, multi-year initiative to attract more New Yorkers to mental health careers. The broader campaign targets high school and college students, along with anyone interested in entering the field.
OMH expects the website to launch next year. It will promote mental health jobs at all levels statewide.
Loan repayment and new credentials
Alongside the survey, OMH continues to offer a major loan repayment program for clinicians. The program provides up to $120,000 for psychiatrists and $30,000 for other licensed professionals who commit to working three years in community mental health programs.
Eligible professionals include social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, creative arts therapists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, and occupational therapists. The state has committed about $45 million a year for loan repayment covering 1,405 professionals.
The state is also developing a new paraprofessional credential for a mental health support specialist. Officials say they are building the core skills and training for that certification.
Partnerships and funding boosts
Under Governor Kathy Hochul, the state has expanded partnerships with SUNY and CUNY to grow workforce diversity. Those schools now provide tuition help, paid internships, and stipends for underrepresented and multilingual students in mental health programs.
The state has also increased funding for community mental health providers. The FY 2026 budget includes a 2.6 percent targeted inflationary increase, following increases of 2.8 percent in FY 2025 and 5.4 percent in FY 2024.
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