Partial Hospitalization Programs for Children

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is soliciting proposals for the expansion of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) for children and adolescents across New York State. PHPs serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or as a transitional support to reduce hospital stays. These medically supervised, intensive outpatient programs are designed to stabilize acute symptoms of serious emotional disturbance (SED), provide short-term treatment, enhance coping skills, and coordinate reintegration into home, school, or community settings. The initiative is part of the 2024–2025 enacted budget to increase access to essential mental health services for youth, particularly in underserved regions. OMH has identified five targeted Economic Development Regions (EDRs)—Central New York, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York—and three New York City boroughs—Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island—as priority areas for funding. Of the 20 available awards, eight will be allocated specifically to proposals serving these target locations. Providers may submit applications for more than one region or borough but must file separate proposals for each site. Programs must demonstrate alignment with community needs and the ability to provide OMH-licensed PHP services. Eligible applicants include agencies currently licensed by OMH to serve children/adolescents, providers seeking to expand into children’s PHPs, or newly approved operators awaiting licensing. Agencies must be in good standing with OMH and must complete prequalification via New York State’s Statewide Financial System (SFS). All proposals must be submitted through SFS and include an Operating Budget and Budget Narrative. The deadline for submission is January 28, 2025, with anticipated awards announced by February 25, 2025, and contracts beginning July 1, 2025. Each PHP site must adhere to Part 587 regulations and deliver evidence-based, family-centered treatment services. Start-up funding of $115,000 per award will be provided upfront for a two-year term to support staff hiring, space refurbishment, materials, and outreach. Ongoing program operation will be sustained through Medicaid and insurance reimbursements. Funding cannot be used for capital improvements, rent, or previously funded staff. The evaluation process includes a technical and financial assessment based on program need, implementation, staffing, organizational qualifications, diversity and inclusion efforts, and quality improvement plans. Proposals scoring below 70 points will be excluded. Awarded programs must comply with OMH standards, incident reporting, child safety regulations, and reporting requirements. At least one-third of referrals must come from designated hospitals or emergency programs, and agencies must collaborate with Local Government Units (LGUs) and school districts. Amanda Szczepkowski serves as the designated contact for all inquiries related to the RFP, and questions must be submitted via email by December 10, 2024. Responses will be published on OMH’s website by January 7, 2025. The grant aims to improve mental health outcomes, reduce hospital reliance, and increase service access for children and families across New York State.