NYC Health + Hospitals Expands Behavioral Health Services to Domestic Violence Shelters

New York City’s public hospital system recently announced an expansion of behavioral health services for survivors of domestic violence, extending on-site mental health care to 41 shelters across the city. The Domestic Violence Shelter Mental Health Initiative, initially launched in 2023, has expanded from 9 shelters, providing care to over 700 individuals and delivering more than 5,600 therapy appointments. The initiative has also significantly reduced wait times for appointments from months to approximately one week, according to NYC Health + Hospitals.

Key Components of the Initiative:

• On-site mental health careIndividual therapy, family counseling, psychiatric assessments, and medication management provided directly at shelters.

• No cost to residentsAll behavioral health services are free, removing financial barriers.

• Rapid accessAppointments are typically available within the same week, sometimes even the same day residents arrive.

• Extended availabilityEvening and weekend support via telehealth and virtual care options.

• Trauma-informed staff trainingOver 400 shelter employees and 100 Family Justice Center staff trained in mental health and trauma-informed care.

Improving Accessibility for Survivors

Providing behavioral health care on-site at shelters has dramatically improved accessibility for survivors. Previously, residents faced extended wait times and referrals to off-site locations, creating additional burdens. Now, survivors can immediately access therapy and psychiatric services in a safe, familiar environment.

This improvement comes as the need for domestic violence support services grows. Nearly 12,000 individuals, many of whom are children, utilized NYC domestic violence shelters in the past year, an increase of about 1,000 from the previous year, according to Gothamist.

Dr. Omar Fattal, System Chief of Behavioral Health at NYC Health + Hospitals, stated that enhancing access to mental health care for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence remains a critical strategic priority.

Comprehensive and Collaborative Care

The initiative offers comprehensive behavioral health services within shelters, including counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and medication support. Services are designed with flexibility, providing residents with the choice of in-person, telehealth, or community-based sessions.

Financial barriers have been removed entirely, a crucial component for individuals who have often left abusive environments without financial resources. The $5.9 million initiative is supported by multiple city agencies, including NYC Health + Hospitals, the Department of Social Services, the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, and the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health.

According to Brooklyn Eagle, the NYC domestic violence shelter network is the largest in the United States, supporting over 10,000 survivors annually. This underscores both the urgency and potential scalability of embedding behavioral health services directly within shelters.

Training Front-Line Shelter Staff

Another critical element of the initiative is extensive training for non-clinical shelter staff. Over 400 shelter employees have undergone training in trauma-informed mental health practices, significantly enhancing their ability to support survivors effectively.

As reported by Hoodline, similar training has also been extended to staff at Family Justice Centers. Shelter workers are now better prepared to recognize signs of trauma and confidently connect residents with mental health resources, creating a more integrated care environment.

Positive Outcomes and Future Potential

Early reports from the initiative indicate significant benefits for survivors. Participants have noted improvements in sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and strengthened family relationships. One survivor, Aisha Wilson, highlighted the personal impact of accessing therapy in her shelter, noting how essential support was for beginning the healing process.

The initiative’s approachable and compassionate model has made mental health care more accessible and less intimidating for residents. As domestic violence and related traumas remain pressing issues nationwide, NYC’s program offers valuable insights and a potential blueprint for other cities and behavioral health systems aiming to improve support for vulnerable populations.