As part of the ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that state-regulated health insurers are now required to provide free mental health care for health care employees who are on the front lines of the fight against the virus. Deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance are waived for all in-network mental health services.
"Front-line workers are making incredible sacrifices for us all," Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. said in an announcement. "It's only right that we provide our heroes with the mental health services they may need at no cost."
In addition, the state is teaming up with the Kate Spade New York Foundation and Crisis Text Line to provide a free, around-the-clock support service for health care employees. They can send a text message with "NYFRONTLINE" to 741-741 to access the service.
Those not directly involved in the health care field can still find counseling by calling the state's Covid-19 emotional support hotline at 844-863-9314.
There are also mental health resources in Suffolk County. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone recently announced that a behavioral health initiative that was previously for county employees will now be available to all Suffolk residents at suffolkcounty.ny.gov/wellness. Also, the Family Service League operates the Diagnostic, Assessment, and Stabilization Hub in Hauppauge, which can be reached at 631-952-3333, and is offering free round-the-clock, seven-day-a-week mental health services to help first responders and essential workers.