A psychotic break is a slow-motion medical emergency. Ample warning almost always precedes tragedy. We need both laws and a care system that recognize psychiatric deterioration as a danger *in itself*. Evidence of *physical* danger often appears too late.

nytimes.com/2024/04/19/nyr…

Some unassailable proposals in this thread. Looking forward to diving in to Stephen's full report.

Big dual announcement from Mayor Eric Adams and MTA today on subway safety. And the second part -- the upcoming expansion of our SCOUT program to secure treatment for people experiencing psych crisis in the subways -- is also a huge advance for mental health care in NYC.

A squeaker is still a win! Congrats 2 my CA pals for these critical investments in beds + supportv housing. As for 'civil lib groups charging that Prop 1 will lead to more involuntary treatment,' ... let's hope so! For some stuck, its the 🔑 to liberation. nytimes.com/2024/03/20/us/…

We are immensely proud of SCOUT, NYC's joint pilot with MTA to move people in psychiatric crisis out of the subway system, into the care system. Small-scale results so far are tremendous. Grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for funding expansion.

Gut punch

🚨Calling all jurisdictions not yet operating Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs: Feel the FOMO and jump on this NOFO. samhsa.gov/grants/grant-a…

I'll be on the Wednesday panel. Really looking forward to it.

Ann Corcoran RN MSN We are fully aligned on the substance of this, but I part ways on the framing. Disability fits neatly into the concept of 'danger to self,' so to me it seems pointless to argue for involuntary care of the non-dangerous. Why should 'danger' be limited to the danger of violence?

Sadly, this is where postmodern thinking gets you in psychiatry. There is no truth, no shared consensual reality, and the belief that one has a government electrode implanted in their brain is just as valid as 'the sky is blue.'

👍👍

PLEASE READ Ellen Barry's incredible piece on the heartbreak + challenges of trying to save some1 unable to recognize their own SMI + desperate need for treatment. A dose of reality here for those who view Housing First as the right answer in all cases. nytimes.com/2024/01/28/hea…

Thank you Governor Kathy Hochul for focusing on retail theft & mental illness, but there is still more to do for those suffering on our streets. Mayor Eric Adams has tools - Supportive Interventions Act & Psychiatric Crisis Plan - that add to an effective strategy. bit.ly/3vB6BJz

Phenomenal news here. Grateful to the Hochul admin for their work to restore these desperately-needed beds. (Will tweet later on what THE CITY, in the midst of otherwise solid reporting, continues to get wrong about Mayor Eric Adams's SMI policy + proposals.)
thecity.nyc/2024/01/09/psy…

So glad I read this. Incredible reporting by Lisa Miller to reveal Jordan's full arc as a wounded human. The missed opportunities to change his trajectory should haunt us and strengthen our resolve to do better.