Bill > S05491

This bill establishes a mental wellness group pilot program designed to create group therapy sessions for children ages 10-18 by partnering with regional insurance companies. The program will authorize the state office to award competitive grants of up to $500,000 annually for up to five years to insurance companies that can effectively implement these mental wellness groups. Participating insurance companies will work with school districts and local mental health departments to coordinate efforts, create referral systems, and provide technical assistance such as affordable counseling services, mental health resource connections, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The groups will focus on helping students identify problems, understand potential consequences, and develop strategies to overcome challenges impeding their achievement. The program includes mandatory periodic reviews, with the department evaluating progress every twelve months and maintaining the ability to terminate contracts if performance standards are not met. The goal is to create supportive, collaborative mental health resources specifically tailored to help pre-teen and teenage participants improve their mental wellness and personal development.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5491