BILL NUMBER: S7377
SPONSOR: BROUK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the establishment
of mental health clubhouses
 
PURPOSE:
To establish a statewide network of mental health clubhouses that
provide structured, community-based support services for individuals
living with serious mental illness. The bill aims to enhance mental
health recovery through peer-led engagement, employment and housing
assistance, and crisis intervention.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds a new Article 29-L to the Public Health Law to establish
a framework for mental health clubhouses-community-based rehabilitative
centers designed to support individuals with serious mental illness
through structured, peer-led services. Key provisions include:
§ 2999-nn (Definitions): Defines "mental health clubhouse" as a facili-
ty, accredited or seeking accreditation, that provides psychosocial
rehabilitation, peer-led engagement, and community-based support
services.
§ 2999-oo (Establishment): Mandates statewide development of clubhous-
es, ensuring accessibility via public transportation and virtual
programming in rural areas. Requires the Department of Health and the
Office of Mental Health to develop a statewide implementation plan with-
in one year of enactment.
§ 2999-pp (Operational Standards and Core Services): Requires volun-
tary, no-cost membership for individuals with a history of serious
mental illness. Clubhouses must obtain accreditation within three years
and offer core services, including:
1. Employment and workforce development
2. Housing support and homelessness prevention
3. Peer-led crisis intervention and suicide prevention
4. Social and recreational programming
§ 2999-qq (Oversight, Compliance, and Reporting): Requires biennial
audits and regular reporting on:
1. Membership statistics and service utilization
2. Employment and housing outcomes
3. Crisis intervention data
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York is experiencing a growing mental health crisis, with many indi-
viduals struggling to access consistent, community-based support.
People with serious mental illness often face barriers to employment,
housing, and long-term recovery services. Current public health systems
rely heavily on crisis intervention and institutional care, which are
costly and less effective for long-term rehabilitation.
Mental health clubhouses offer a proven, cost-effective model for
psychosocial rehabilitation that emphasizes recovery, empowerment, and
social reintegration. Research has shown:
- Clubhouse participation can reduce hospitalization rates, improve
employment outcomes, and lead to an estimated $11,000 in annual govern-
ment savings per participant.
- Members report improved quality of life, reduced psychiatric symptoms,
and lower stigma.
- Successful models, such as Fountain House in New York City, demon-
strate that combining peer support with structured services yields long-
term recovery outcomes.
This bill leverages the evidence-based clubhouse model to expand access
statewide, particularly in underserved and rural communities, through
both physical and virtual programming. It aligns with the state's goals
of promoting recovery-oriented care and reducing reliance on emergency
and institutional services.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill; no prior legislative history.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:;
This act shall take effect immediately.