CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – Governor Hochul is touting the expansion of mental health services in New York.

On October 2, Hochul announced that 13 new Community Behavioral Health Clinics have been certified, bringing the total number to 39, which fulfills Hochul’s 2023 pledge to triple the number of facilities across the state.

“Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics help New Yorkers access a full array of treatment options to address their needs and connect people with specialized care,” Hochul said. “By tripling these clinics statewide, we are reducing unnecessary hospital visits, fostering relationships among community healthcare providers, and eliminating gaps in our system of care.”

Among the new clinics to receive certification over the summer are Family Counseling Services of Cortland and CASA Trinity in the Southern Tier.

“Access to quality and affordable mental health services is a fundamental need in our communities,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “As a member of our Senate Mental Health committee, far too often, I see families in New York and our region struggle to access mental health and addiction care resources. I am thrilled that Family Counseling Services of Cortland is included in this new investment in our mental health infrastructure. I was proud to support this project and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued investment in fully integrated person-centered and trauma-informed care.”

The NYS Office of Mental Health, which will be in Tompkins County this week for a pair of community engagement forums, provided $265,000 in start-up funding to help establish the new clinics.