Bill > S06179

This bill requires the Office of Mental Health to develop comprehensive guidelines aimed at preventing the retraumatization of sexual offense victims in outpatient group therapy settings. The guidelines will outline best practices for service providers to minimize the potential for additional psychological harm when treating sexual abuse survivors, particularly in group settings where a known sex offender might be present. The office is mandated to create these guidelines through a collaborative process, consulting with a diverse group of stakeholders including consumer advocates, mental health providers, and victim rights groups. The guidelines are to be evidence-based, meaning they will be developed using scientifically proven strategies and research to ensure the most effective approach to protecting and supporting sexual abuse survivors during mental health treatment. The bill adds two nearly identical sections (7.50 and 19.44) to the mental hygiene law to reinforce this requirement, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6179