If the psychiatrist confrms that you meet the requirements for involuntary admission based on medical certifcation, you may be kept in the psychiatric center for up to 60 days. The procedure for involuntary retention beyond 60 days, and the patient's right to a hearing, are the same as outlined in Section 1, above.

For questions about mental health services, to find a mental health service provider or to make a complaint, call OMH Customer Relations toll-free at 1-800-597-8481. Contact OMH and County Mental Health Agencies: Central Office Personnel.

New York State's Mental Hygiene Law Explained The mental hygiene law outlines when people with severe mental illness may be admitted to a hospital for treatment. The circumstances include: Voluntary – A person with mental illness seeking treatment may apply for admission to a hospital on their own.

Education Law section 8409(1) authorizes the Department to issue a diagnostic privilege limited permit to a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist or psychoanalyst licensed and registered under Article 163 who is gaining supervised experience for the diagnostic privilege under supervision.