In fall of 2024, Families Together in New York State (FTNYS) — in collaboration with the Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids Campaign, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, the New York State Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health, and parents and youth — developed a children’s mental health waitlist story survey.

This survey follows a recent study by the Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids Campaign which found that at most, only 1 in 4 New York children covered by Medicaid are accessing the outpatient behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use disorder) services they need.

15 individuals from regions across NYS shared their stories about barriers they faced in accessing mental health care for themselves or their child.