Bill > S03627

This bill requires teachers, administrators, and instructors to complete mental health response training within twelve months of the law's effective date. The training, developed in collaboration with the Office of Mental Health, will focus on recognizing signs of mental health crises, understanding appropriate responses to issues like suicide risk, self-harm, substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety, and identifying mental health resources and support systems. The curriculum will cover recognizing symptoms, understanding the importance of social supports, and emphasizing strategies like diet, exercise, and socialization for managing mental health challenges. Importantly, the training explicitly does not include diagnosing or counseling students, and instructors cannot provide services requiring specialized licensing. The Office of Mental Health will assist the education commissioner in developing the specific training curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive and professional approach to mental health awareness in educational settings.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3627