NYC Council Calls for Increased Funding for Community Mental Health Support and ACT Teams

The New York City Council convened on November 25, 2025, to discuss several legislative proposals, including a resolution to secure full funding for assertive community treatment (ACT) teams. Council Member Kaban, who sponsored the resolution, emphasized the critical need for these mobile behavioral health teams, which provide round-the-clock support to individuals experiencing serious mental illnesses. Kaban pointed out that ACT teams play a vital role in connecting patients to essential care within their communities, reducing reliance on costly inpatient treatments.

Kaban expressed concern about the current inadequacies of the ACT teams, noting the excessive waitlists for patients in need of their services. He urged his colleagues to support Resolution 736, underscoring that the city cannot tackle this issue alone and that a unified message to the state legislature is necessary to ensure adequate funding (Source: https://youtu.be/je7XRdic1Gw&t=1749).

In the meeting, several resolutions passed, with votes reflecting strong support from council members. For instance, resolutions advocating for enhanced funding for mental health initiatives gained traction, with a total of 42 votes in favor for some proposals. Notably, the city aims to prioritize mental health funding in light of rising needs across communities, especially among vulnerable populations (Source: https://youtu.be/je7XRdic1Gw&t=1679).

The need for additional funding for mental health services has been echoed in earlier budget hearings. In those discussions, stakeholders highlighted that the fiscal year 2026 budget must include substantial investments, such as an additional $4.5 million to enhance the city’s crisis response teams, which include peer specialists who can provide immediate support to individuals in distress (Source: https://youtu.be/yTVmUMY2NFA&t=23889). Additionally, the financial support for school-based mental health clinics is crucial, with proposed funding of $3.75 million aimed at ensuring adequate staffing and extended services for students (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/03/13/nyc-boosts-mental-health-services-in-schools-with-450m-investment-amid-youth-crisis/).

The NYC Council’s commitment to mental health funding underscores a growing recognition of the critical role these services play in supporting public safety and well-being. As the council moves forward, there is a concerted effort to advocate for comprehensive mental health resources to address the increasing needs of New Yorkers effectively.